US7510110B2 - RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment - Google Patents

RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US7510110B2
US7510110B2 US11/222,256 US22225605A US7510110B2 US 7510110 B2 US7510110 B2 US 7510110B2 US 22225605 A US22225605 A US 22225605A US 7510110 B2 US7510110 B2 US 7510110B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
rfid
controller
data
component
tag
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active, expires
Application number
US11/222,256
Other versions
US20070055470A1 (en
Inventor
Arthur P. Pietrzyk
Vivek R. Bapat
Sujeet Chand
Kenwood H. Hall
Richard A. Morse
Joseph P. Owen, JR.
Andreas Somogyi
Kenneth A. Tinnell
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rockwell Automation Technologies Inc
Original Assignee
Rockwell Automation Technologies Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rockwell Automation Technologies Inc filed Critical Rockwell Automation Technologies Inc
Priority to US11/222,256 priority Critical patent/US7510110B2/en
Assigned to ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. reassignment ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MORSE, RICHARD A., TINNELL, KENNETH A., PIETRZYK, ARTHUR P., HALL, KENWOOD H., BAPAT, VIVEK R., OWEN, JR., JOSEPH P., CHAND, SUJEET, SOMOGYI, ANDREA
Priority to EP06803042.8A priority patent/EP1958169B1/en
Priority to PCT/US2006/034721 priority patent/WO2007030544A2/en
Priority to CN2006800410480A priority patent/CN101300609B/en
Publication of US20070055470A1 publication Critical patent/US20070055470A1/en
Priority to US12/403,225 priority patent/US8152053B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US7510110B2 publication Critical patent/US7510110B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/0008General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer
    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05BCONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B19/00Programme-control systems
    • G05B19/02Programme-control systems electric
    • G05B19/04Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
    • G05B19/05Programmable logic controllers, e.g. simulating logic interconnections of signals according to ladder diagrams or function charts
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04BTRANSMISSION
    • H04B5/00Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive loop type
    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05BCONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2219/00Program-control systems
    • G05B2219/30Nc systems
    • G05B2219/31From computer integrated manufacturing till monitoring
    • G05B2219/31197Near field communication nfc
    • H04B5/72
    • H04B5/77

Definitions

  • This invention is related to programmable logic controllers, and the implementation therein of RFID technology.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • PC personal computer
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • the traditional approach is to have an RFID reader connection to the PLC via a network using, for example, RS-232 serial communications, Ethernet, or any of the field buses such as DeviceNet, ControlNet, etc.
  • Using such technologies typically involves the use of interface cards and/or logic that requires software control, power needs, and additional hardware maintenance.
  • interface cards and/or logic that requires software control, power needs, and additional hardware maintenance.
  • the interface between an RFID reader and a PLC must be both fast and reliable. The speed determines the rate at which RFID tags can be read and the reliability of this interface determines the usability of the RFID information.
  • By using shorter communications pathways and such pathways that can be dedicated it is possible to achieve higher bandwidth communications. Accordingly, there is an unmet need in the art for an improved RFID system in the automation regime.
  • the disclosed architecture in one aspect thereof is architecture that can use radio frequency identification (RFID) as a wireless means for capturing, storing and sending information and control parameters. All of the captured information can be made available via an RFID reader device that scans the system and its components reading the tags from modules, racks, power supplies, processors, and so on. This information can include configuration data, series/revision information, and diagnostics data, for example. Once scanned and recorded, the entire system configuration and status can be transmitted to a remote support site for duplication in order to perform evaluations such as diagnostics, warranty, and troubleshooting.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • RFID to store internal information, data, and code
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • HMI Human Machine Interface
  • the invention disclosed and claimed herein in one aspect thereof, comprises implementation of an RFID reader (or reader module) into a controller (e.g., a PLC).
  • a controller e.g., a PLC
  • This module contains an RF (radio frequency) interface, logic, and processor to function as an RFID reader, but instead of residing external to the controller and as a node on a network, the reader resides internal to the controller and interfaces to an internal communications framework of the PLC (e.g., a controller backplane).
  • an internal communications framework of the controller facilitates faster, more reliable communications between the controller and the reader, and reduces or eliminates missed packets that can normally occur over a loaded packet-based network.
  • Such packet-based communications can include CIP (Common Industrial Protocol), which is an open protocol to allow direct communication with a controller, or a middleware software module.
  • CIP Common Industrial Protocol
  • the RFID reader module can connect to an RFID reader antenna via an RF coaxial cable.
  • the antenna can be a traditional RFID reader antenna.
  • This invention can accommodate all types of RFID readers from Low Frequency to High Frequency, Ultra High Frequency, and standard RFID tags to 2.4 GHz tags, for example, and finds applications at least with LogixTM, SLC (Small Logic Controller) and other PLC architectures.
  • the RFID reader is mounted internal to the controller and interface directly to a packet-based network from inside the PLC for tight integration with the PLC.
  • the RFID reader interface to the network can include support for CIP.
  • RFID tag data can be packaged into an application-level protocol (e.g., CIP), and transmitted over the network to the controller.
  • a controller can now act as the “master” node on the network and interact with the RFID reader (a node) in the same manner as it interacts with other input and output (I/O) devices connected to the controller.
  • the middleware software can be directly integrated into the PLC for direct interface to the network or indirectly via the PLC.
  • This provides a single hardware and software environment (and lowest cost solution) to the user.
  • This solution is designed for reliable operation in an industrial environment, and finds application where RFID tags can also be utilized to send diagnostics data along with the tag data.
  • the diagnostics data can be collected by the tag due to the presence of one or more sensors with the tag, for example.
  • multiple RFID readers can be integrated with the controller (e.g., PLC).
  • the controller e.g., PLC
  • filtering across the multiple RFID readers is difficult and requires significant implementation effort.
  • the controller implementation of the subject invention can utilize signal strengths from individual readers to determine who may “own” a tag.
  • RFID is being used in concert with bar codes. Since bar code readers can be integrated with the controller, the controller can now coordinate the bar code reads with the RFID reads.
  • read/write tag technology can be incorporated into all major PLC components and utilized for wireless communication both between PLC system components and between the PLC and other devices, locations, and media.
  • RFID to store and exchange information includes the following uses: electronic keying such that agreement between RFID in a rack and on modules can be checked; security information that is based and stored at the physical device level (e.g., a processor could be at a different level than the I/O); module diagnostics and warranty information can be read from the module without the current requirement to program logic to monitor diagnostic bits; series and revision levels code be read and verified; a rack-based tag can store the I/O configuration so that a replacement module can easily be inserted and powered up sooner; and, a smart module would know it is a valid replacement and could automatically read its configuration and set up.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an RFID system in accordance with the subject invention.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a methodology of providing an RFID R/W in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an RFID R/W component internal to a controller in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a physical representation of a controller that employs an internal RFID R/W component in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a physical representation of a controller that employs a removable RFID R/W component in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a methodology of triggering event tasks in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary RFID tag information message that includes sensor-related data in accordance with the subject invention.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a system that employs signal strength processing with multiple readers in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a system where a controller communicates with a remote network-based reader in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a bar code-RFID reader system in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates the use of RFID R/W technology for tagging controller components in accordance with the subject invention.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates the use of RFID R/W technology for tagging crate components and modules in accordance with the subject invention.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates a methodology of utilizing electronic keying in an RFID tag to verify proper component assignments in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a methodology of security information in an RFID tag to enable component operation in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates a methodology of processing warranty and diagnostics information in an RFID tag in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates a methodology of utilizing series and revision level code information in an RFID tag in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 17 illustrates a methodology of utilizing module I/O configuration information in an RFID tag in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates an RFID system that employs artificial intelligence which facilitates automating one or more features in accordance with the subject invention.
  • FIG. 19 illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable to execute the disclosed architecture.
  • FIG. 20 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computing environment in accordance with the subject invention.
  • a component can be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer.
  • an application running on a server and the server can be a component.
  • One or more components can reside within a process and/or thread of execution, and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers.
  • the term to “infer” or “inference” refer generally to the process of reasoning about or inferring states of the system, environment, and/or user from a set of observations as captured via events and/or data. Inference can be employed to identify a specific context or action, or can generate a probability distribution over states, for example. The inference can be probabilistic—that is, the computation of a probability distribution over states of interest based on a consideration of data and events. Inference can also refer to techniques employed for composing higher-level events from a set of events and/or data. Such inference results in the construction of new events or actions from a set of observed events and/or stored event data, whether or not the events are correlated in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and data come from one or several event and data sources.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an RFID (radio frequency identification) system 100 in accordance with the subject invention.
  • the system 100 can include an RFID reader component that can be employed in a number of different locations. It is to be appreciated the system 100 can employ strictly an RFID reader; however, the combined functionality of the reader/writer can provide a more robust implementation, where desired. Accordingly, as understood herein, the subject invention finds application to an RFID reader/writer, as well as an RFID reader.
  • a first RFID reader component 102 can be employed in a controller 104 (e.g., a programmable logic controller-PLC) that connects indirectly to a packet-based communications network 106 via an internal controller communications framework (CCF) 108 .
  • a controller 104 e.g., a programmable logic controller-PLC
  • CCF internal controller communications framework
  • the controller 104 can typically be utilized in a manufacturing, distribution, sales or any similar environment where products (or objects) are tagged with an RFID tag and logistically managed.
  • the RFID reader component 102 interfaces to the network 106 via an internal network connection(s) of the controller 104 .
  • PLCs In such highly automated environments, PLCs (or other types of industrial controllers) are typically employed in a crate or chassis (not shown) in a rackmount configuration at selected locations throughout the industrial environment with additional modules employed therein for such applications as discrete I/O, power, communications, etc.
  • the crate can interface to the network 106 to which modules of the crate connect for intercommunications with each other and external components (e.g., networks, databases, other rackmount systems, . . . ).
  • the PLC typically provides the “brains” of the crate, although this need not always be the case, since each module of the crate can employ its own processor and applications for execution. Additionally, or alternatively, each module of the crate can be configured as a separate addressable node on the network 106 .
  • the network 106 is suitable to accommodate protocols such as Ethernet, CIP, DeviceNet, ControlNet, and other packet-based architectures.
  • a second RFID component 110 can be employed internal to a second controller 112 as a separate module that in one instance interfaces directly to the network 106 , and in another instance interface to a CCF 114 for internal communications only. In this manner, many such RFID reader components can be employed in combination with a controller.
  • the second controller 112 can also communicate directly with the network 106 . Utilization of the packet-based network can facilitate addressing each of the modules ( 102 , 104 , 110 , and 112 ) separately using packet header information that defines a destination and source for each packet.
  • any combination of the aforementioned configurations can be employed.
  • the controller/RFID component combination can be employed with another RFID reader component as a separate module for backup purposes in a more critical environment where if one RFID reader component fails, the other is online and ready to be enabled.
  • both (or multiple) of the RFID reader components are operational and reading the same data that is then compared to ensure proper reads.
  • the subject invention can support all types of RFID readers and reader/writers from low frequency to high frequency, UHF (ultra-high frequency), and standard RFID tags to 2.4 GHz tags, for example. This can also be applied to the LogixTM systems, SLC (Small Logic Controller), and PLC architectures.
  • the PLC internal communications framework is utilized for communications which is more reliable, thereby eliminating the need for the network.
  • CCF CCF communications
  • missed packets for communications can be reduced or even eliminated and faster communications is enabled so that data from the RFID reader can be easily combined with other sensor information to verify the accuracy of the tag read operation.
  • use of CCF communications is easier to configure, debug, and troubleshoot than network communications.
  • the RFID reader or R/W
  • the configuration can be stored in the PLC making replacement and initial configuration easier.
  • the invention also reduces power consumption and bandwidth consumption by eliminating the need for a network interface between the reader and the PLC.
  • the invention reduces the overall size and weight of the system by eliminating the need for an external reader.
  • the reader module can be housed in the backplane of the PLC and use the PLC power supply and/or in the backplane and use the crate power supply. This eliminates the need for an external box, power supply, and network interface.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a methodology of providing an RFID reader in accordance with the invention. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the one or more methodologies shown herein, e.g., in the form of a flow chart, are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the subject invention is not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may, in accordance with the invention, occur in a different order and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the invention.
  • RFID reader technology is received for configuration.
  • the RFID reader technology can be packaged into a module that is internalized to the PLC, and that interfaces directly with the PLC communications framework.
  • the RFID reader component can be packaged as a separate module external to the PLC, but that is compatible with the crate such that it can be received into the crate in a manner similar to the PLC module.
  • the RFID reader component can be packaged as a separate module integral to the CCF.
  • an RFID tag is read.
  • the RFID reader reads RFID tag data which is communicated by any of a number of different ways.
  • the RFID signals and/or data can then be communicated.
  • the RFID reader component is integrated into the CCF
  • the RFID tag data is communicated through the CCF into the controller memory.
  • the RFID reader component is a separate module of the crate
  • the RFID tag data can be communicated out the RFID reader module across the crate network medium to the PLC where it can be processed and stored.
  • Modularization of the RFID reader component also provides other benefits. For example, at 210 , firmware updates can be more easily implemented by downloading such updates to the controller, and over the CCF to the RFID reader module integrated into the CCF.
  • FIG. 3 there is illustrated a block diagram of an RFID reader component 300 internal to a controller 302 (e.g., a PLC) in accordance with the invention.
  • the controller 302 interfaces to the packet-based network 106 via a CCF/network interface 304 .
  • internal controller hardware and/or software components 306 can also connect to the CCF/network interface 304 .
  • the RFID reader component 300 can include the following: a processor 308 that handles all onboard operations thereof; a memory 310 for storing RFID tag data and/or caching RFID applications used by the component 300 ; an applications component 312 that stores one or more applications related to reading and/or writing RFID signals and data with an RFID tag, intermodule communications applications, and applications that facilitate communications with external RFID subsystems; a firmware component 314 that stores startup information and instructions which can be updated, as well as the applications; and, an RF communications component 316 that facilitates RF communications such that an RFID tag can be read from and/or written to.
  • Associated with the RF communications component 316 is an antenna 318 which can be internal to the RFID reader component 300 , and/or be external thereto and connected via a coaxial cable 320 .
  • the RFID reader component 300 plugs or hard connects into the CCF/network interface 304 of the controller 302 for tight integration with the controller 302 .
  • the RFID reader component 300 interface to the CCF/network interface 304 can include support for the CIP open protocol to allow direct communication with the controller 302 , and/or a middleware module 322 .
  • the middleware module 322 is a software component that facilitates onboard processing of tag signals and data by the controller 302 , instead of remote processing on a separate PC, as can be performed conventionally.
  • RFID tag data is packaged into an application-level protocol (e.g., CIP) by the RFID reader component 300 and transmitted over the CCF/network interface 304 to the controller 302 .
  • the controller 302 may now act as the “master” in the CCF and/or network, and interact with the RFID reader component 300 in the same manner as it interacts with other input and output devices.
  • controller 302 can provide “secure” storage of RFID data and attributes as an intermediate step to moving the data to a website. Such a system can be called an RFID-enabled controller.
  • the middleware module 322 can be tightly integrated with the CCF/network interface 304 .
  • This provides a single hardware and software environment (and lowest cost solution) to the user.
  • This solution is designed for reliable operation in an industrial environment, and finds application where RFID tags may also be utilized to send diagnostics data along with the tag data.
  • the diagnostics data is collected by the tag due to the presence of one or more sensors with the tag.
  • the middleware module 322 is depicted as external to the RFID reader component 300 and in direct communications with the CCF/network interface 304 ; however, it is to be appreciated that the middleware 322 can be integrated into the RFID component 300 or the controller hardware/software component 306 .
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a physical representation of a controller 400 that employs an internal RFID reader component 402 in accordance with the invention.
  • the controller 400 includes a CCF/network interface 404 that facilitates interconnecting to a crate (not shown).
  • the RFID reader component 402 can also utilize the CCF/network interface 404 to connect to the crate, the controller 404 , and/or other external crate modules connected to the crate.
  • the RFID reader component 402 can connect to a motherboard 406 of the controller 400 such that connectivity between the RFID reader component 402 and the controller 400 is directly via the motherboard and not via the CCF/network interface 404 .
  • the RFID reader component 402 can be provided as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that is manufactured as part of the motherboard logic and circuits.
  • the RFID reader component 402 also includes an antenna 408 that is utilized for RF communications with RFID tags.
  • the RFID reader component 402 can communicate wirelessly with external systems using the antenna 408 , in lieu of or in addition to using the CCF/network interface 404 to access a network.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a physical representation of a controller 500 that employs a removable RFID reader component 502 in accordance with the invention.
  • the controller 500 includes a CCF/network interface 502 that can include a number of connectors 504 that receive boards.
  • a RFID reader component is employed on a removable board 506 that that can be removed through a slot 508 in a front panel 510 of the controller 500 .
  • the board 506 can include a handle 512 for insertion and removal thereof, and through which an antenna (not shown) can be threaded to provide unimpeded electronic communications access to an RFID tag 514 .
  • the controller 500 can also employ front panel indicators 516 that provide indication to a user of certain states of the controller (e.g., power, network connection, RFID R/W component status, . . . ).
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a methodology of triggering event tasks in accordance with the invention.
  • one or more RFID tags are detected and read by an RFID reader component mounted internal to a controller.
  • RFID data and/or signals are communicated by the internal RFID reader component.
  • the tag data is communicated to the controller memory either directly via the CCF/network interface.
  • the controller processes the tag data.
  • processing of the tag data triggers one or more event tasks in the controller and/or RFID reader component.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary RFID tag information message 700 that includes sensor-related data in accordance with the subject invention.
  • an RFID tag can be associated with one or more sensors 702 (denoted SENSOR 1 , . . . ,SENSOR N ) such that the sensor data can be included as part of the RFID tag information message 700 that is transmitted to the RFID reader component.
  • the sensors 702 can include environmental sensors related to temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, etc., that allows for monitoring of corresponding parameters while the associated object, package, pallet, is being prepared, shipped, and so on. Other conventional sensors can be employed as desired (e.g., accelerometers, strain gages, load cells, . . . )
  • the message 700 can support tag ID data 704 that uniquely identifies the tag, tag data 706 that includes information related to the object to which it is attached or associated, sensor data 708 that is related to the one or more sensors 702 associated with the tag, and sensor diagnostic data 710 related to one or more of the sensors 702 . It is to be appreciated that other information can also be transmitted with the message 700 , as desired by the particular application.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a system 800 that employs signal strength processing with multiple readers in accordance with the invention.
  • multiple readers can be integrated with the controller. Filtering across multiple RFID readers is difficult today and requires significant implementation effort.
  • the controller implementation of the subject invention can utilize signal strengths from individual readers to determine which reader may “own” a tag.
  • a crate packet-based network medium 802 that facilitates communications between at least a controller 804 that includes a first internal reader 806 (denoted READER 1 ) and a second internal reader 808 (denoted READER 2 ), and an external RFID reader 810 (denoted READER 3 ).
  • the controller 804 includes the first reader 810 and second reader 812 one or both of which can be used for reading RFID tags 814 (denoted RFID TAG 1 , RFID TAG 2 , and RFID TAG 3 ) attached to corresponding objects 816 (denoted OBJECT 1 , OBJECT 2 , and OBJECT 3 ).
  • the controller 804 and the external reader 810 each include a CCF/network interface (denoted CCF/NET I/F) that is one of the interfaces to the crate network medium 802 .
  • the controller 804 can also include a hardware/software component represented at 818 that provides all desired controller-based hardware/software functionality.
  • the component 818 can also include a signal strength processing component 820 that facilitates signal strength processing among several of the local readers ( 806 , 808 , 810 and 812 ).
  • This can also include remote readers (not shown) that may be “slave” modules in remote crates (not shown), but that are managed by the controller 804 (the “master”). In this master/slave relationship, the slave devices are treated as I/O devices and interact with the controller 804 in the same manner as other I/O modules.
  • the controller 804 can provide secure storage of the data and associated attributes as an intermediate step to communicating the data and/or attributes to a website (e.g., Internet-based website).
  • a website e.g., Internet-based website
  • a reader broadcasts energy that energizes all tags in a given vicinity, thereby receiving data back that it may not need.
  • the read operation can occur many times (e.g., hundreds or thousands) over a short period of time. If a pallet comes into range, and the pallet includes a tag, the objects on the pallet each include a tag, and the objects further include items therein that each include tags, the amount of read information can be large.
  • the reader can be programmed to perform a read only for a short period of time (e.g., milliseconds), and then turn off. Thereafter, the middleware software can be activated to process the tag information that was read.
  • the middleware software need not reside in the controller, but can reside anywhere on the network, or perhaps in a separate module in the same crate as the controller 804 .
  • the tag automatically sends its tag data when signaled to do so by readers that are broadcasting.
  • the tag can be programmed to transmit data at predetermined times (e.g., every hour).
  • the internal readers ( 806 and 808 ) signal a first tag 822 , a second tag 824 and a third tag 826 to send their respective tag data.
  • the data handling requirements can place a significant burden on the control system.
  • the signal strength processing component 820 facilitates this by monitoring and computing signal strength values that are processed by the controller 804 and then used to filter readers and tags.
  • the controller 804 can then “assign” the tags ( 822 , 824 , and 826 ) to the respective readers ( 806 , 808 , and 810 ) for processing in order to offload some of the processing requirements that would normally need to be performed on all three of the tags ( 822 , 824 , and 826 ), to the other readers.
  • each system can include signal strength processing (SSP) capability.
  • the controller 804 can include the SSP 820
  • the external reader 810 can also include an SSP 828 .
  • each system performs its own signal strength value computations and transmits the values to the controller 804 for final determination as to which of the readers ( 806 , 808 and 810 ) gets assigned to process which of the tags ( 822 , 824 , and 826 ).
  • the first internal reader 806 is assigned to process the tag data for the first tag 822
  • the external reader 810 is assigned to process the tag data for the second tag 824 and the third tag 826 .
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a system 900 where a controller 902 communicates with a remote network-based reader 904 in accordance with the invention.
  • the controller 902 includes an internal reader 906 for reading an RFID tag 908 .
  • the controller 902 also can include a signal strength processing component 910 that processes return tag signals in order to determine a signal strength value for the tag 908 .
  • the controller 902 includes a CCF 912 that facilitates interfacing to a network 914 via a network interface 916 . Interfacing to the network 914 can be by way of a wired and/or wireless technology.
  • Disposed on the network 914 is the remote reader 904 that can also read the RFID tag 908 .
  • the remote reader 904 can also include an SSP component 918 that facilitates signal strength value computation such that a value associated with reading the tag 908 can be transmitted to a remote site for processing (e.g., the controller 902 ).
  • the controller 902 receives and processes the remote value with a local value received via the internal reader 906 .
  • the controller can then determine which reader should be assigned to process tag data of the tag 908 .
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a bar code-RFID reader system 1000 in accordance with the invention.
  • the system 1000 includes a controller 1002 that comprises both a bar code scanner 1004 and an RFID reader 1006 .
  • the internal bar code scanner 1004 scans a bar code tag 1010 attached to the package 1008 and the internal RFID reader 1006 reads an attached RFID tag 1012 .
  • the bar code data and RFID data are then passed to an RFID/bar code data processing component 1014 of controller hardware and software component 1016 that processes and compares some or all of the tag data as a means to verify package and tag data, for example.
  • RFID reader 1006 and the bar code scanner 1004 are shown to be internal to the controller 1002 , either or both can be separate modules as the controller 1002 in the same crate or different crates as desired for a given application.
  • the bar cod reader 1004 and the RFID reader 1006 are shown to interface to the hardware/software component 1016 via CCF interfaces, and can also interface to a controller network interface 1018 for network access to services disposed thereon (such as can be provide on an Ethernet network, DeviceNet network, ControlNet network, and other packet-based networks).
  • FIG. 11 illustrates the use of RFID R/W technology for tagging controller components in accordance with the subject invention.
  • RFID R/W tag technology be incorporated into all major controller (e.g., PLC) components and utilized for wireless communication both between controller system components and between the controller and other devices, locations, and media.
  • RFID to store and exchange information
  • security information can be based and stored at the physical device level, whereas a processor could be at a different level than I/O
  • module diagnostics and warranty information can be read from the tagged module without the current requirement to program logic to monitor diagnostic bits, for example; series and revision levels code be read and verified more easily
  • a rack-based tag can store the I/O configuration, for example, so that a replacement module can easily be inserted and powered up sooner; and, a smart module would automatically know it is a valid replacement and could automatically read its configuration and setup information.
  • a controller module 1100 (similar to the controller 400 of FIG. 4 ) is provided with RFID tags on selected components.
  • the controller 1100 includes a motherboard 1102 having an associated motherboard RFID read/write tag 1104 , an internal RFID reader 1106 having an attached RFID read/write tag 1108 , and a controller RFID read/write tag 1110 attached to the controller 1100 .
  • Each of the tags ( 1104 , 1108 , and 1110 ) stores data related to its corresponding component ( 1102 , 1106 , and 1100 ).
  • FIG. 12 illustrates the use of RFID R/W technology for tagging crate components and modules in accordance with the subject invention.
  • a crate 1200 is shown having a crate front panel 1202 , and a back panel 1202 with a network medium 1206 (e.g., wired, optical fiber, . . . ) that can electrically/electronically interconnect a controller module 1208 , a first module 1210 and a second module 1212 .
  • the controller 1208 includes internal components that can also be tagged.
  • the controller 1208 includes a slidably removable card 1214 that has attached thereto a card tag 1216 that stores data related to that card 1214 .
  • the card 1214 includes a card module 1218 that has attached thereto a card module tag 1220 that stores data related to that card module 1218 .
  • the controller 1208 can also have an internal RFID tag 1222 that identifies a controller back panel 1224 , for example, and its related components, connectors, etc.
  • the controller 1208 can also include an indicator module 1226 having an indicator module RFID tag 1228 that stores related data.
  • Affixed to a front panel 1230 of the controller 1208 is a controller RFID tag 1232 that can include component data of some or all of its related components (e.g., card 1214 , card module 1218 , back panel 1224 , front panel 1230 , controller settings data, configuration data, warranty data, diagnostics data, . . . ).
  • the first rack module 1210 includes a first module RFD tag 1234 that can store some or all hardware and/or software information related thereto
  • the second rack module 1212 includes a second module RFID tag 1236 that can store some or all hardware and/or software information related to it.
  • the crate front panel 1202 has affixed thereto a crate RFID tag 1238 that can contain data related to the crate 1200 (e.g., backplane 1206 ) and any or all of its modules and/or module subcomponents (e.g., controller 1208 , first module 1210 , second module 1212 , card module 1218 , . . . ). If the card 1214 is an RFID R/W component, it can read data from all crate, module, and component tags, and write data to the same tags.
  • data related to the crate 1200 e.g., backplane 1206
  • modules and/or module subcomponents e.g., controller 1208 , first module 1210 , second module 1212 , card module 1218 , . . .
  • the card 1214 is an RFID R/W component, it can read data from all crate, module, and component tags, and write data to the same tags.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates a methodology of utilizing electronic keying in an RFID tag to verify proper component assignments in accordance with the invention.
  • an RFID tag is applied to each component and/or module as desired. Where this is a software component or module, an RFID tag can be applied to any convenient place.
  • component and/or module data is uploaded to each corresponding tag.
  • the components and/or modules are assigned to a rack according to assignment data.
  • the components and/or modules are installed into the rack.
  • each tag is read to ensure that the installed components and/or modules are the ones desired to be installed.
  • any component and/or module that does not conform to the assignment data is rejected. That is, an alert or notification can be communicated. Additionally, the component and/or module can be prevented from operating.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a methodology of security information in an RFID tag to enable component operation in accordance with the invention.
  • access security data in response to a request to operate the component and/or module.
  • the system can periodically reverify the security data as a condition for continued operation.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates a methodology of processing warranty and diagnostics information in an RFID tag in accordance with the invention.
  • Apply RFID tags to components and/or modules.
  • upload warranty and/or diagnostics data to the RFID tags.
  • use RFID reader to read warranty and/or diagnostics data, as desired.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates a methodology of utilizing series and revision level code information in an RFID tag in accordance with the invention.
  • Apply RFID tags to components and/or modules.
  • upload series and/or revision level code data to RFID tags of corresponding components and/or modules.
  • use RFID reader to read series and/or revision level code data of component.
  • FIG. 17 illustrates a methodology of utilizing module I/O configuration information in an RFID tag in accordance with the invention.
  • Apply RFID tags to I/O modules At 1702 , configure an I/O module and upload I/O configuration data to corresponding RFID tag.
  • replace the I/O module with a new I/O module.
  • read configuration data of old I/O module At 1710 , process and configure the new I/O module using the old I/O module configuration data.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates an RFID system 1800 that employs artificial intelligence (AI) which facilitates automating one or more features in accordance with the subject invention.
  • the system 1800 includes a controller 1802 that hosts an AI component 1804 .
  • the AI component 1804 can monitor signals and data of the controller 1802 , RFID R/W processes of an internal RFID R/W component 1806 , and generally, any information that is carried over the CCF 108 . Thus, information communicated on the CCF 108 and even the network 106 can also be monitored.
  • AI artificial intelligence
  • the subject invention can employ various AI-based schemes for carrying out various aspects thereof. For example, a process for determining when to upload diagnostics data and when to read RFID data can be facilitated via an automatic classifier system and process. Moreover, where an RFID database is distributed across locations that are remote from the controller, the classifier can be employed to determine which database location will be selected for uploading RFID data or from retrieving data therefrom.
  • Such classification can employ a probabilistic and/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysis utilities and costs) to prognose or infer an action that a user desires to be automatically performed.
  • a support vector machine is an example of a classifier that can be employed.
  • the SVM operates by finding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which hypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from the non-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classification correct for testing data that is near, but not identical to training data.
  • Other directed and undirected model classification approaches include, e.g., na ⁇ ve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification models providing different patterns of independence can be employed. Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statistical regression that is utilized to develop models of priority.
  • the subject invention can employ classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generic training data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing user behavior, receiving extrinsic information).
  • SVM's are configured via a learning or a training phase within a classifier constructor and feature selection module.
  • the classifier(s) can be used to automatically learn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited to determining according to a predetermined criteria when to initiate new diagnostics testing and accelerate new diagnostics uploads to the RFID tag of a module.
  • the AI component 1804 can also be employed to determine under what conditions one RFID reader (or R/W) should be disabled or powered down relative to another.
  • AI component 1804 can be employed to detect RFID tags related to a second RFID reader (not shown), and then signal the second RFID reader to turn on based on information provided that a pallet or product with a tag associated with that RFID reader is approaching.
  • This cueing information can be provided by other sensor systems or dataform reading system (e.g., bar code scanning systems, other RFID reading systems, and so on).
  • a multi-input controller can be provided information or sense information that can aid in filtering the data.
  • a multi-input controller By utilizing a multi-input controller, it can be known when a pallet enters a certain area because of presence sensors that indicate when the pallet has gone through this area (e.g., using bar code label, RFID tag, . . . ). So not only signal strength data can be employed, but additional sensing data that the controller has about the environment that can be utilized for filtering. More specifically, when employing both a bar code tag and an RFID tag, the controller reads the bar code label at a previous fixed location. Since it is a fixed location, the controller “knows” the recent location of the pallet. Thus, the controller can cue the reader that the pallet will arrive at this location very shortly. As a result, the controller can cue the RFID reader to wake up and go to sleep at predetermined times or intervals. Without this capability, the reader would be on continuously, and reading anything within its RF field-of-view.
  • each RFID R/W component includes an AI component
  • the AI component can be employed to process signal strengths and determine therefrom which R/W components to assign to tags and/or sets of tags that are in range of communication.
  • FIG. 19 there is illustrated a block diagram of a computer operable to execute the disclosed architecture.
  • FIG. 19 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment 1900 in which the various aspects of the invention can be implemented. While the invention has been described above in the general context of computer-executable instructions that may run on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention also can be implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and software.
  • program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
  • inventive methods can be practiced with other computer system configurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associated devices.
  • the illustrated aspects of the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network.
  • program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
  • a computer typically includes a variety of computer-readable media.
  • Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media.
  • Computer readable media can comprise computer storage media and communication media.
  • Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.
  • Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital video disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the computer.
  • Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media.
  • modulated data signal means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal.
  • communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
  • the exemplary computing environment 1900 for implementing various aspects of the invention includes a computer 1902 , the computer 1902 including a processing unit 1904 , a system memory 1906 and a system bus 1908 .
  • the system bus 1908 couples system components including, but not limited to, the system memory 1906 to the processing unit 1904 .
  • the processing unit 1904 can be any of various commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processor architectures may also be employed as the processing unit 1904 .
  • the system bus 1908 can be any of several types of bus structure that may further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
  • the system memory 1906 includes read only memory (ROM) 1910 and random access memory (RAM) 1912 .
  • ROM read only memory
  • RAM random access memory
  • a basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatile memory 1910 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the computer 1902 , such as during start-up.
  • the RAM 1912 can also include a high-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.
  • the computer 1902 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 1914 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1914 may also be configured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1916 , (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette 1918 ) and an optical disk drive 1920 , (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 1922 or, to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as the DVD).
  • the hard disk drive 1914 , magnetic disk drive 1916 and optical disk drive 1920 can be connected to the system bus 1908 by a hard disk drive interface 1924 , a magnetic disk drive interface 1926 and an optical drive interface 1928 , respectively.
  • the interface 1924 for external drive implementations includes at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies are within contemplation of the subject invention.
  • the drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executable instructions, and so forth.
  • the drives and media accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.
  • computer-readable media refers to a HDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of media which are readable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and the like, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment, and further, that any such media may contain computer-executable instructions for performing the methods of the invention.
  • a number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1912 , including an operating system 1930 , one or more application programs 1932 , other program modules 1934 and program data 1936 . All or portions of the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM 1912 . It is appreciated that the invention can be implemented with various commercially available operating systems or combinations of operating systems.
  • a user can enter commands and information into the computer 1902 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1938 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 1940 .
  • Other input devices may include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like.
  • These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 1904 through an input device interface 1942 that is coupled to the system bus 1908 , but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.
  • a monitor 1944 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus 1908 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1946 .
  • a computer typically includes other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.
  • the computer 1902 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1948 .
  • the remote computer(s) 1948 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, a personal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer 1902 , although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory storage device 1950 is illustrated.
  • the logical connections depicted include wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1952 and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1954 .
  • LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices, and companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which may connect to a global communication network, e.g., the Internet.
  • the computer 1902 When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1902 is connected to the local network 1952 through a wired and/or wireless communication network interface or adapter 1956 .
  • the adaptor 1956 may facilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1952 , which may also include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicating with the wireless adaptor 1956 .
  • the computer 1902 can include a modem 1958 , or is connected to a communications server on the WAN 1954 , or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 1954 , such as by way of the Internet.
  • the modem 1958 which can be internal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to the system bus 1908 via the serial port interface 1942 .
  • program modules depicted relative to the computer 1902 can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 1950 . It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers can be used.
  • the computer 1902 is operable to communicate with any wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable data assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and telephone.
  • any wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable data assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and telephone.
  • the communication can be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.
  • Wi-Fi Wireless Fidelity
  • Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a base station.
  • Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11(a, b, g, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity.
  • a Wi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet).
  • Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, or with products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernet networks used in many offices.
  • the system 2000 includes one or more client(s) 2002 .
  • the client(s) 2002 can be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices).
  • the client(s) 2002 can house cookie(s) and/or associated contextual information by employing the invention, for example.
  • the system 2000 also includes one or more server(s) 2004 .
  • the server(s) 2004 can also be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices).
  • the servers 2004 can house threads to perform transformations by employing the invention, for example.
  • One possible communication between a client 2002 and a server 2004 can be in the form of a data packet adapted to be transmitted between two or more computer processes.
  • the data packet may include a cookie and/or associated contextual information, for example.
  • the system 2000 includes a communication framework 2006 (e.g., a global communication network such as the Internet) that can be employed to facilitate communications between the client(s) 2002 and the server(s) 2004 .
  • a communication framework 2006 e.g., a global communication network such as the Internet
  • Communications can be facilitated via a wired (including optical fiber) and/or wireless technology.
  • the client(s) 2002 are operatively connected to one or more client data store(s) 2008 that can be employed to store information local to the client(s) 2002 (e.g., cookie(s) and/or associated contextual information).
  • the server(s) 2004 are operatively connected to one or more server data store(s) 2010 that can be employed to store information local to the servers 2004 .

Abstract

An RFID reader and/or writer module in an industrial controller (e.g., PLC). The RFID module interfaces internally to the controller for tight integration therewith. The RFID module can also be part of a controller communications framework and as a standalone module with the PLC as a master device, and interact with the RFID module in the same manner as it interacts with other I/O devices connected to the controller. In another aspect, RFID read/write tag technology is incorporated into some or all major PLC and rack components, and utilized for wireless communication both between PLC system components and between the PLC and other devices, locations, and media. The RFID tag can be used to store and exchange electronic keying data, security information, module diagnostics and warranty information, series and revision levels code, I/O configuration data, and, replacement data. Artificial intelligence is also employed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention is related to programmable logic controllers, and the implementation therein of RFID technology.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In today's highly sophisticated, complex and intelligent automation systems, industrial controllers have powerful tools and features that could be simplified through the use of RFID (radio frequency identification). When implementing an RFID solution in a distribution center or a factory, it is customary to utilize three distinct platforms: an RFID reader/antenna, RFID “middleware” running on a standard PC (personal computer), and a PLC (programmable logic controller). Each platform requires its own configuration and management resulting in higher costs in implementation and support (e.g., by wiring and labor for three platforms, different environments, and operator training). Moreover, the reader and PC may not be ruggedized for an industrial environment.
The traditional approach is to have an RFID reader connection to the PLC via a network using, for example, RS-232 serial communications, Ethernet, or any of the field buses such as DeviceNet, ControlNet, etc. Using such technologies typically involves the use of interface cards and/or logic that requires software control, power needs, and additional hardware maintenance. Moreover, in that there are other communications links involved, it is possible to have missed packets, in addition to the implementation of slower communications speeds due to these links or network dependencies. The interface between an RFID reader and a PLC must be both fast and reliable. The speed determines the rate at which RFID tags can be read and the reliability of this interface determines the usability of the RFID information. By using shorter communications pathways and such pathways that can be dedicated, it is possible to achieve higher bandwidth communications. Accordingly, there is an unmet need in the art for an improved RFID system in the automation regime.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The disclosed architecture, in one aspect thereof is architecture that can use radio frequency identification (RFID) as a wireless means for capturing, storing and sending information and control parameters. All of the captured information can be made available via an RFID reader device that scans the system and its components reading the tags from modules, racks, power supplies, processors, and so on. This information can include configuration data, series/revision information, and diagnostics data, for example. Once scanned and recorded, the entire system configuration and status can be transmitted to a remote support site for duplication in order to perform evaluations such as diagnostics, warranty, and troubleshooting.
Additionally, using RFID to store internal information, data, and code can improve maintenance, reduce errors and downtime when modules are replaced, and can be used as a major game changer/differentiator, since many of the manual interactions could be automated with “smarter” PLC (programmable logic controller) components that automatically communicate with each other without additional external wires, HMI (Human Machine Interface), etc.
Accordingly, the invention disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises implementation of an RFID reader (or reader module) into a controller (e.g., a PLC). This module contains an RF (radio frequency) interface, logic, and processor to function as an RFID reader, but instead of residing external to the controller and as a node on a network, the reader resides internal to the controller and interfaces to an internal communications framework of the PLC (e.g., a controller backplane). Use of the internal communications framework of the controller facilitates faster, more reliable communications between the controller and the reader, and reduces or eliminates missed packets that can normally occur over a loaded packet-based network. Such packet-based communications can include CIP (Common Industrial Protocol), which is an open protocol to allow direct communication with a controller, or a middleware software module.
When internalized to the controller, the RFID reader module can connect to an RFID reader antenna via an RF coaxial cable. The antenna can be a traditional RFID reader antenna. This invention can accommodate all types of RFID readers from Low Frequency to High Frequency, Ultra High Frequency, and standard RFID tags to 2.4 GHz tags, for example, and finds applications at least with Logix™, SLC (Small Logic Controller) and other PLC architectures.
In another aspect of the subject invention the RFID reader is mounted internal to the controller and interface directly to a packet-based network from inside the PLC for tight integration with the PLC. For example, the RFID reader interface to the network can include support for CIP. RFID tag data can be packaged into an application-level protocol (e.g., CIP), and transmitted over the network to the controller. Additionally, a controller can now act as the “master” node on the network and interact with the RFID reader (a node) in the same manner as it interacts with other input and output (I/O) devices connected to the controller.
In yet another aspect thereof, not only is the RFID reader integrated into the controller, but also the middleware software can be directly integrated into the PLC for direct interface to the network or indirectly via the PLC. This provides a single hardware and software environment (and lowest cost solution) to the user. This solution is designed for reliable operation in an industrial environment, and finds application where RFID tags can also be utilized to send diagnostics data along with the tag data. The diagnostics data can be collected by the tag due to the presence of one or more sensors with the tag, for example.
In still another aspect of the invention, multiple RFID readers can be integrated with the controller (e.g., PLC). Currently, filtering across the multiple RFID readers is difficult and requires significant implementation effort. The controller implementation of the subject invention can utilize signal strengths from individual readers to determine who may “own” a tag. Additionally, in many systems, RFID is being used in concert with bar codes. Since bar code readers can be integrated with the controller, the controller can now coordinate the bar code reads with the RFID reads.
In another aspect, read/write tag technology can be incorporated into all major PLC components and utilized for wireless communication both between PLC system components and between the PLC and other devices, locations, and media. The use of RFID to store and exchange information includes the following uses: electronic keying such that agreement between RFID in a rack and on modules can be checked; security information that is based and stored at the physical device level (e.g., a processor could be at a different level than the I/O); module diagnostics and warranty information can be read from the module without the current requirement to program logic to monitor diagnostic bits; series and revision levels code be read and verified; a rack-based tag can store the I/O configuration so that a replacement module can easily be inserted and powered up sooner; and, a smart module would know it is a valid replacement and could automatically read its configuration and set up.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the invention are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention can be employed and the subject invention is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates an RFID system in accordance with the subject invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a methodology of providing an RFID R/W in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an RFID R/W component internal to a controller in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates a physical representation of a controller that employs an internal RFID R/W component in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates a physical representation of a controller that employs a removable RFID R/W component in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates a methodology of triggering event tasks in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary RFID tag information message that includes sensor-related data in accordance with the subject invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates a system that employs signal strength processing with multiple readers in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates a system where a controller communicates with a remote network-based reader in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 10 illustrates a bar code-RFID reader system in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 11 illustrates the use of RFID R/W technology for tagging controller components in accordance with the subject invention.
FIG. 12 illustrates the use of RFID R/W technology for tagging crate components and modules in accordance with the subject invention.
FIG. 13 illustrates a methodology of utilizing electronic keying in an RFID tag to verify proper component assignments in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 14 illustrates a methodology of security information in an RFID tag to enable component operation in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 15 illustrates a methodology of processing warranty and diagnostics information in an RFID tag in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 16 illustrates a methodology of utilizing series and revision level code information in an RFID tag in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 17 illustrates a methodology of utilizing module I/O configuration information in an RFID tag in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 18 illustrates an RFID system that employs artificial intelligence which facilitates automating one or more features in accordance with the subject invention.
FIG. 19 illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable to execute the disclosed architecture.
FIG. 20 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computing environment in accordance with the subject invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject invention. It may be evident, however, that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the invention.
As used in this application, the terms “component” and “system” are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a server and the server can be a component. One or more components can reside within a process and/or thread of execution, and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers.
As used herein, the term to “infer” or “inference” refer generally to the process of reasoning about or inferring states of the system, environment, and/or user from a set of observations as captured via events and/or data. Inference can be employed to identify a specific context or action, or can generate a probability distribution over states, for example. The inference can be probabilistic—that is, the computation of a probability distribution over states of interest based on a consideration of data and events. Inference can also refer to techniques employed for composing higher-level events from a set of events and/or data. Such inference results in the construction of new events or actions from a set of observed events and/or stored event data, whether or not the events are correlated in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and data come from one or several event and data sources.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an RFID (radio frequency identification) system 100 in accordance with the subject invention. The system 100 can include an RFID reader component that can be employed in a number of different locations. It is to be appreciated the system 100 can employ strictly an RFID reader; however, the combined functionality of the reader/writer can provide a more robust implementation, where desired. Accordingly, as understood herein, the subject invention finds application to an RFID reader/writer, as well as an RFID reader. In one implementation, a first RFID reader component 102 can be employed in a controller 104 (e.g., a programmable logic controller-PLC) that connects indirectly to a packet-based communications network 106 via an internal controller communications framework (CCF) 108. The controller 104 can typically be utilized in a manufacturing, distribution, sales or any similar environment where products (or objects) are tagged with an RFID tag and logistically managed. The RFID reader component 102 interfaces to the network 106 via an internal network connection(s) of the controller 104.
In such highly automated environments, PLCs (or other types of industrial controllers) are typically employed in a crate or chassis (not shown) in a rackmount configuration at selected locations throughout the industrial environment with additional modules employed therein for such applications as discrete I/O, power, communications, etc. The crate can interface to the network 106 to which modules of the crate connect for intercommunications with each other and external components (e.g., networks, databases, other rackmount systems, . . . ). The PLC typically provides the “brains” of the crate, although this need not always be the case, since each module of the crate can employ its own processor and applications for execution. Additionally, or alternatively, each module of the crate can be configured as a separate addressable node on the network 106. The network 106 is suitable to accommodate protocols such as Ethernet, CIP, DeviceNet, ControlNet, and other packet-based architectures.
In another implementation, a second RFID component 110 can be employed internal to a second controller 112 as a separate module that in one instance interfaces directly to the network 106, and in another instance interface to a CCF 114 for internal communications only. In this manner, many such RFID reader components can be employed in combination with a controller. Here, the second controller 112 can also communicate directly with the network 106. Utilization of the packet-based network can facilitate addressing each of the modules (102, 104, 110, and 112) separately using packet header information that defines a destination and source for each packet.
It is to be appreciated that any combination of the aforementioned configurations can be employed. For example, in one application it may be beneficial to include an RFID reader component in a controller thus preserving space in the crate for other modules. In another application, the controller/RFID component combination can be employed with another RFID reader component as a separate module for backup purposes in a more critical environment where if one RFID reader component fails, the other is online and ready to be enabled. In yet another application, both (or multiple) of the RFID reader components are operational and reading the same data that is then compared to ensure proper reads. These are but a few examples of the combinations of reader components (102 and 110) that can be employed in a controller/crate (or network) configuration in accordance with the subject invention.
The subject invention can support all types of RFID readers and reader/writers from low frequency to high frequency, UHF (ultra-high frequency), and standard RFID tags to 2.4 GHz tags, for example. This can also be applied to the Logix™ systems, SLC (Small Logic Controller), and PLC architectures.
Following are at least some of the benefits that can be obtained by employing the RFID reader in a PLC. The PLC internal communications framework is utilized for communications which is more reliable, thereby eliminating the need for the network. By employing the CCF for communications, missed packets for communications can be reduced or even eliminated and faster communications is enabled so that data from the RFID reader can be easily combined with other sensor information to verify the accuracy of the tag read operation. Moreover, use of CCF communications is easier to configure, debug, and troubleshoot than network communications. Additionally, since the RFID reader (or R/W) can be part of the PLC, its configuration can be stored in the PLC making replacement and initial configuration easier. The invention also reduces power consumption and bandwidth consumption by eliminating the need for a network interface between the reader and the PLC.
There is no longer any need to configure the RFID reader as a standalone device. Moreover, it reduces the complexity of interfacing the RFID reader to the PLC. This innovation increases the rate at which RFID tags can be read by eliminating the network transmission delays. The RFID tag can be read by the reader and tag data transferred directly to the memory of the PLC with no significant delay. Using an Event Task mechanism in LogiX™, a task could be configured to run at the arrival of a new tag.
The invention reduces the overall size and weight of the system by eliminating the need for an external reader. The reader module can be housed in the backplane of the PLC and use the PLC power supply and/or in the backplane and use the crate power supply. This eliminates the need for an external box, power supply, and network interface.
FIG. 2 illustrates a methodology of providing an RFID reader in accordance with the invention. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the one or more methodologies shown herein, e.g., in the form of a flow chart, are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the subject invention is not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may, in accordance with the invention, occur in a different order and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the invention.
At 200, RFID reader technology is received for configuration. At 202, the RFID reader technology can be packaged into a module that is internalized to the PLC, and that interfaces directly with the PLC communications framework. Alternatively, or in combination therewith, the RFID reader component can be packaged as a separate module external to the PLC, but that is compatible with the crate such that it can be received into the crate in a manner similar to the PLC module. Alternatively, or in yet another combination therewith, the RFID reader component can be packaged as a separate module integral to the CCF. At 204, an RFID tag is read.
At 206, the RFID reader reads RFID tag data which is communicated by any of a number of different ways. At 208, the RFID signals and/or data can then be communicated. Where the RFID reader component is integrated into the CCF, the RFID tag data is communicated through the CCF into the controller memory. Where the RFID reader component is a separate module of the crate, the RFID tag data can be communicated out the RFID reader module across the crate network medium to the PLC where it can be processed and stored.
Modularization of the RFID reader component also provides other benefits. For example, at 210, firmware updates can be more easily implemented by downloading such updates to the controller, and over the CCF to the RFID reader module integrated into the CCF.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a block diagram of an RFID reader component 300 internal to a controller 302 (e.g., a PLC) in accordance with the invention. The controller 302 interfaces to the packet-based network 106 via a CCF/network interface 304. Similarly, internal controller hardware and/or software components 306 can also connect to the CCF/network interface 304.
The RFID reader component 300 can include the following: a processor 308 that handles all onboard operations thereof; a memory 310 for storing RFID tag data and/or caching RFID applications used by the component 300; an applications component 312 that stores one or more applications related to reading and/or writing RFID signals and data with an RFID tag, intermodule communications applications, and applications that facilitate communications with external RFID subsystems; a firmware component 314 that stores startup information and instructions which can be updated, as well as the applications; and, an RF communications component 316 that facilitates RF communications such that an RFID tag can be read from and/or written to. Associated with the RF communications component 316 is an antenna 318 which can be internal to the RFID reader component 300, and/or be external thereto and connected via a coaxial cable 320.
The RFID reader component 300 plugs or hard connects into the CCF/network interface 304 of the controller 302 for tight integration with the controller 302. For example, the RFID reader component 300 interface to the CCF/network interface 304 can include support for the CIP open protocol to allow direct communication with the controller 302, and/or a middleware module 322. The middleware module 322 is a software component that facilitates onboard processing of tag signals and data by the controller 302, instead of remote processing on a separate PC, as can be performed conventionally. RFID tag data is packaged into an application-level protocol (e.g., CIP) by the RFID reader component 300 and transmitted over the CCF/network interface 304 to the controller 302. Additionally, the controller 302 may now act as the “master” in the CCF and/or network, and interact with the RFID reader component 300 in the same manner as it interacts with other input and output devices.
This tighter integration between the controller 302 and the RFID reader (or R/W) component reduces programming and configuration time during the commissioning of an RFID-enabled system. Additionally, the controller 302 can provide “secure” storage of RFID data and attributes as an intermediate step to moving the data to a website. Such a system can be called an RFID-enabled controller.
In one aspect of the invention, the middleware module 322 can be tightly integrated with the CCF/network interface 304. This provides a single hardware and software environment (and lowest cost solution) to the user. This solution is designed for reliable operation in an industrial environment, and finds application where RFID tags may also be utilized to send diagnostics data along with the tag data. The diagnostics data is collected by the tag due to the presence of one or more sensors with the tag. Here, the middleware module 322 is depicted as external to the RFID reader component 300 and in direct communications with the CCF/network interface 304; however, it is to be appreciated that the middleware 322 can be integrated into the RFID component 300 or the controller hardware/software component 306.
FIG. 4 illustrates a physical representation of a controller 400 that employs an internal RFID reader component 402 in accordance with the invention. The controller 400 includes a CCF/network interface 404 that facilitates interconnecting to a crate (not shown). The RFID reader component 402 can also utilize the CCF/network interface 404 to connect to the crate, the controller 404, and/or other external crate modules connected to the crate. Alternatively, or in combination therewith, the RFID reader component 402 can connect to a motherboard 406 of the controller 400 such that connectivity between the RFID reader component 402 and the controller 400 is directly via the motherboard and not via the CCF/network interface 404. In this scenario, the RFID reader component 402 can be provided as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that is manufactured as part of the motherboard logic and circuits. The RFID reader component 402 also includes an antenna 408 that is utilized for RF communications with RFID tags. In a more robust implementation, the RFID reader component 402 can communicate wirelessly with external systems using the antenna 408, in lieu of or in addition to using the CCF/network interface 404 to access a network.
FIG. 5 illustrates a physical representation of a controller 500 that employs a removable RFID reader component 502 in accordance with the invention. The controller 500 includes a CCF/network interface 502 that can include a number of connectors 504 that receive boards. For example, in this particular implementation, a RFID reader component is employed on a removable board 506 that that can be removed through a slot 508 in a front panel 510 of the controller 500. The board 506 can include a handle 512 for insertion and removal thereof, and through which an antenna (not shown) can be threaded to provide unimpeded electronic communications access to an RFID tag 514. The controller 500 can also employ front panel indicators 516 that provide indication to a user of certain states of the controller (e.g., power, network connection, RFID R/W component status, . . . ).
FIG. 6 illustrates a methodology of triggering event tasks in accordance with the invention. At 600, one or more RFID tags are detected and read by an RFID reader component mounted internal to a controller. At 602, RFID data and/or signals are communicated by the internal RFID reader component. At 604, the tag data is communicated to the controller memory either directly via the CCF/network interface. At 606, the controller processes the tag data. At 608, processing of the tag data triggers one or more event tasks in the controller and/or RFID reader component.
FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary RFID tag information message 700 that includes sensor-related data in accordance with the subject invention. In one implementation, an RFID tag can be associated with one or more sensors 702 (denoted SENSOR1, . . . ,SENSORN) such that the sensor data can be included as part of the RFID tag information message 700 that is transmitted to the RFID reader component. The sensors 702 can include environmental sensors related to temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, etc., that allows for monitoring of corresponding parameters while the associated object, package, pallet, is being prepared, shipped, and so on. Other conventional sensors can be employed as desired (e.g., accelerometers, strain gages, load cells, . . . )
In support thereof, the message 700 can support tag ID data 704 that uniquely identifies the tag, tag data 706 that includes information related to the object to which it is attached or associated, sensor data 708 that is related to the one or more sensors 702 associated with the tag, and sensor diagnostic data 710 related to one or more of the sensors 702. It is to be appreciated that other information can also be transmitted with the message 700, as desired by the particular application.
FIG. 8 illustrates a system 800 that employs signal strength processing with multiple readers in accordance with the invention. In another aspect of the invention, multiple readers can be integrated with the controller. Filtering across multiple RFID readers is difficult today and requires significant implementation effort. The controller implementation of the subject invention can utilize signal strengths from individual readers to determine which reader may “own” a tag.
Accordingly, there can be provided in one implementation a crate packet-based network medium 802 that facilitates communications between at least a controller 804 that includes a first internal reader 806 (denoted READER1) and a second internal reader 808 (denoted READER2), and an external RFID reader 810 (denoted READER3). Here, the controller 804 includes the first reader 810 and second reader 812 one or both of which can be used for reading RFID tags 814 (denoted RFID TAG1, RFID TAG2, and RFID TAG3) attached to corresponding objects 816 (denoted OBJECT1, OBJECT2, and OBJECT3). The controller 804 and the external reader 810 each include a CCF/network interface (denoted CCF/NET I/F) that is one of the interfaces to the crate network medium 802.
The controller 804 can also include a hardware/software component represented at 818 that provides all desired controller-based hardware/software functionality. The component 818 can also include a signal strength processing component 820 that facilitates signal strength processing among several of the local readers (806, 808, 810 and 812). This can also include remote readers (not shown) that may be “slave” modules in remote crates (not shown), but that are managed by the controller 804 (the “master”). In this master/slave relationship, the slave devices are treated as I/O devices and interact with the controller 804 in the same manner as other I/O modules. In that the RFID data is now stored in the controller 804, the controller 804 can provide secure storage of the data and associated attributes as an intermediate step to communicating the data and/or attributes to a website (e.g., Internet-based website).
As described supra, conventionally, when passive transponders are employed, a reader broadcasts energy that energizes all tags in a given vicinity, thereby receiving data back that it may not need. The read operation can occur many times (e.g., hundreds or thousands) over a short period of time. If a pallet comes into range, and the pallet includes a tag, the objects on the pallet each include a tag, and the objects further include items therein that each include tags, the amount of read information can be large. In such a scenario, the reader can be programmed to perform a read only for a short period of time (e.g., milliseconds), and then turn off. Thereafter, the middleware software can be activated to process the tag information that was read. Note that the middleware software need not reside in the controller, but can reside anywhere on the network, or perhaps in a separate module in the same crate as the controller 804. Similarly, with active transponders, the tag automatically sends its tag data when signaled to do so by readers that are broadcasting.
Alternatively, of the active tag includes clock logic, the tag can be programmed to transmit data at predetermined times (e.g., every hour). Here, the internal readers (806 and 808) signal a first tag 822, a second tag 824 and a third tag 826 to send their respective tag data. However, in an environment where there may be hundreds or even thousands of objects and associated tags devices, and which objects/tags can be moving at a high rate of speed (e.g., on an assembly line), the data handling requirements can place a significant burden on the control system. Thus, it can be beneficial for any given reader and the control system in general, to only read tags that are within its range. The signal strength processing component 820 facilitates this by monitoring and computing signal strength values that are processed by the controller 804 and then used to filter readers and tags.
In this example, once the controller 804 receives a return tag signal from each of the three tags (822, 824, and 826), signal strength values are computed. Knowing the location of the external reader 810 and/or the internal readers (806 and 808), the controller 804 can then “assign” the tags (822, 824, and 826) to the respective readers (806, 808, and 810) for processing in order to offload some of the processing requirements that would normally need to be performed on all three of the tags (822, 824, and 826), to the other readers.
Alternatively, each system can include signal strength processing (SSP) capability. For example, the controller 804 can include the SSP 820, and the external reader 810 can also include an SSP 828. Thus, each system performs its own signal strength value computations and transmits the values to the controller 804 for final determination as to which of the readers (806, 808 and 810) gets assigned to process which of the tags (822, 824, and 826). In this example, the first internal reader 806 is assigned to process the tag data for the first tag 822 and the external reader 810 is assigned to process the tag data for the second tag 824 and the third tag 826.
FIG. 9 illustrates a system 900 where a controller 902 communicates with a remote network-based reader 904 in accordance with the invention. The controller 902 includes an internal reader 906 for reading an RFID tag 908. The controller 902 also can include a signal strength processing component 910 that processes return tag signals in order to determine a signal strength value for the tag 908. The controller 902 includes a CCF 912 that facilitates interfacing to a network 914 via a network interface 916. Interfacing to the network 914 can be by way of a wired and/or wireless technology. Disposed on the network 914 is the remote reader 904 that can also read the RFID tag 908. The remote reader 904 can also include an SSP component 918 that facilitates signal strength value computation such that a value associated with reading the tag 908 can be transmitted to a remote site for processing (e.g., the controller 902). In this scenario, the controller 902 receives and processes the remote value with a local value received via the internal reader 906. The controller can then determine which reader should be assigned to process tag data of the tag 908.
In many conventional systems, RFID technology is being used in concert with bar codes. Since bar code readers are already integrated with the controller, the controller can now coordinate the data of a bar code with the data of a corresponding RFID tag. Accordingly, FIG. 10 illustrates a bar code-RFID reader system 1000 in accordance with the invention. The system 1000 includes a controller 1002 that comprises both a bar code scanner 1004 and an RFID reader 1006. When a package 1008 passes within range to be processed, the internal bar code scanner 1004 scans a bar code tag 1010 attached to the package 1008 and the internal RFID reader 1006 reads an attached RFID tag 1012. The bar code data and RFID data are then passed to an RFID/bar code data processing component 1014 of controller hardware and software component 1016 that processes and compares some or all of the tag data as a means to verify package and tag data, for example. Although both the RFID reader 1006 and the bar code scanner 1004 are shown to be internal to the controller 1002, either or both can be separate modules as the controller 1002 in the same crate or different crates as desired for a given application. The bar cod reader 1004 and the RFID reader 1006 are shown to interface to the hardware/software component 1016 via CCF interfaces, and can also interface to a controller network interface 1018 for network access to services disposed thereon (such as can be provide on an Ethernet network, DeviceNet network, ControlNet network, and other packet-based networks).
FIG. 11 illustrates the use of RFID R/W technology for tagging controller components in accordance with the subject invention. RFID R/W tag technology be incorporated into all major controller (e.g., PLC) components and utilized for wireless communication both between controller system components and between the controller and other devices, locations, and media. The use of RFID to store and exchange information includes the following uses: electronic keying—RFID in a rack and on modules can now be processed for agreement; security information can be based and stored at the physical device level, whereas a processor could be at a different level than I/O; module diagnostics and warranty information can be read from the tagged module without the current requirement to program logic to monitor diagnostic bits, for example; series and revision levels code be read and verified more easily; a rack-based tag can store the I/O configuration, for example, so that a replacement module can easily be inserted and powered up sooner; and, a smart module would automatically know it is a valid replacement and could automatically read its configuration and setup information.
Referring again to FIG. 11, a controller module 1100 (similar to the controller 400 of FIG. 4) is provided with RFID tags on selected components. For example, the controller 1100 includes a motherboard 1102 having an associated motherboard RFID read/write tag 1104, an internal RFID reader 1106 having an attached RFID read/write tag 1108, and a controller RFID read/write tag 1110 attached to the controller 1100. Each of the tags (1104, 1108, and 1110) stores data related to its corresponding component (1102, 1106, and 1100).
Note that if passive RFID tags are employed on components internal to the controller itself, and with the reader integrated therein, the reader will continuously read the internal passive tags, thereby causing unnecessary tag processing. By employing active tags, communications with the reader can now be initiated from the active tag when events and/or attributes change or when it is expected that the reader should have received data or information.
FIG. 12 illustrates the use of RFID R/W technology for tagging crate components and modules in accordance with the subject invention. A crate 1200 is shown having a crate front panel 1202, and a back panel 1202 with a network medium 1206 (e.g., wired, optical fiber, . . . ) that can electrically/electronically interconnect a controller module 1208, a first module 1210 and a second module 1212. The controller 1208 includes internal components that can also be tagged. For example, the controller 1208 includes a slidably removable card 1214 that has attached thereto a card tag 1216 that stores data related to that card 1214. Additionally, the card 1214 includes a card module 1218 that has attached thereto a card module tag 1220 that stores data related to that card module 1218. The controller 1208 can also have an internal RFID tag 1222 that identifies a controller back panel 1224, for example, and its related components, connectors, etc. The controller 1208 can also include an indicator module 1226 having an indicator module RFID tag 1228 that stores related data. Affixed to a front panel 1230 of the controller 1208 is a controller RFID tag 1232 that can include component data of some or all of its related components (e.g., card 1214, card module 1218, back panel 1224, front panel 1230, controller settings data, configuration data, warranty data, diagnostics data, . . . ).
Likewise, the first rack module 1210 includes a first module RFD tag 1234 that can store some or all hardware and/or software information related thereto, and the second rack module 1212 includes a second module RFID tag 1236 that can store some or all hardware and/or software information related to it.
The crate front panel 1202 has affixed thereto a crate RFID tag 1238 that can contain data related to the crate 1200 (e.g., backplane 1206) and any or all of its modules and/or module subcomponents (e.g., controller 1208, first module 1210, second module 1212, card module 1218, . . . ). If the card 1214 is an RFID R/W component, it can read data from all crate, module, and component tags, and write data to the same tags.
FIG. 13 illustrates a methodology of utilizing electronic keying in an RFID tag to verify proper component assignments in accordance with the invention. At 1300, an RFID tag is applied to each component and/or module as desired. Where this is a software component or module, an RFID tag can be applied to any convenient place. At 1302, component and/or module data is uploaded to each corresponding tag. At 1304, the components and/or modules are assigned to a rack according to assignment data. At 1306, the components and/or modules are installed into the rack. At 1308, once installed, each tag is read to ensure that the installed components and/or modules are the ones desired to be installed. At 1310, any component and/or module that does not conform to the assignment data is rejected. That is, an alert or notification can be communicated. Additionally, the component and/or module can be prevented from operating.
FIG. 14 illustrates a methodology of security information in an RFID tag to enable component operation in accordance with the invention. At 1400, apply RFID tags to components and/or modules. At 1402, upload component and/or module security data to RFID tags. At 1404, access security data in response to a request to operate the component and/or module. At 1406, verify the security data before enabling operation. At 1408, the system can periodically reverify the security data as a condition for continued operation.
FIG. 15 illustrates a methodology of processing warranty and diagnostics information in an RFID tag in accordance with the invention. At 1500, apply RFID tags to components and/or modules. At 1502, upload warranty and/or diagnostics data to the RFID tags. At 1504, periodically, run new diagnostics and upload new diagnostics data to RFID tag. At 1506, use RFID reader to read warranty and/or diagnostics data, as desired.
FIG. 16 illustrates a methodology of utilizing series and revision level code information in an RFID tag in accordance with the invention. At 1600, apply RFID tags to components and/or modules. At 1602, upload series and/or revision level code data to RFID tags of corresponding components and/or modules. At 1604, use RFID reader to read series and/or revision level code data of component.
FIG. 17 illustrates a methodology of utilizing module I/O configuration information in an RFID tag in accordance with the invention. At 1700, apply RFID tags to I/O modules. At 1702, configure an I/O module and upload I/O configuration data to corresponding RFID tag. At 1704, update the I/O configuration data as needed, and store in the RFID tag. At 1706, replace the I/O module with a new I/O module. At 1708, read configuration data of old I/O module. At 1710, process and configure the new I/O module using the old I/O module configuration data. At 1712, operate the new I/O module.
FIG. 18 illustrates an RFID system 1800 that employs artificial intelligence (AI) which facilitates automating one or more features in accordance with the subject invention. In this implementation, the system 1800 includes a controller 1802 that hosts an AI component 1804. The AI component 1804 can monitor signals and data of the controller 1802, RFID R/W processes of an internal RFID R/W component 1806, and generally, any information that is carried over the CCF 108. Thus, information communicated on the CCF 108 and even the network 106 can also be monitored.
The subject invention (e.g., in connection with selection) can employ various AI-based schemes for carrying out various aspects thereof. For example, a process for determining when to upload diagnostics data and when to read RFID data can be facilitated via an automatic classifier system and process. Moreover, where an RFID database is distributed across locations that are remote from the controller, the classifier can be employed to determine which database location will be selected for uploading RFID data or from retrieving data therefrom.
A classifier is a function that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is, f(x)=confidence(class). Such classification can employ a probabilistic and/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysis utilities and costs) to prognose or infer an action that a user desires to be automatically performed.
A support vector machine (SVM) is an example of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates by finding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which hypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from the non-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classification correct for testing data that is near, but not identical to training data. Other directed and undirected model classification approaches include, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification models providing different patterns of independence can be employed. Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statistical regression that is utilized to develop models of priority.
As will be readily appreciated from the subject specification, the subject invention can employ classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generic training data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing user behavior, receiving extrinsic information). For example, SVM's are configured via a learning or a training phase within a classifier constructor and feature selection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automatically learn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited to determining according to a predetermined criteria when to initiate new diagnostics testing and accelerate new diagnostics uploads to the RFID tag of a module.
The AI component 1804 can also be employed to determine under what conditions one RFID reader (or R/W) should be disabled or powered down relative to another. In another example, AI component 1804 can be employed to detect RFID tags related to a second RFID reader (not shown), and then signal the second RFID reader to turn on based on information provided that a pallet or product with a tag associated with that RFID reader is approaching. This cueing information can be provided by other sensor systems or dataform reading system (e.g., bar code scanning systems, other RFID reading systems, and so on). For example, a multi-input controller can be provided information or sense information that can aid in filtering the data. By utilizing a multi-input controller, it can be known when a pallet enters a certain area because of presence sensors that indicate when the pallet has gone through this area (e.g., using bar code label, RFID tag, . . . ). So not only signal strength data can be employed, but additional sensing data that the controller has about the environment that can be utilized for filtering. More specifically, when employing both a bar code tag and an RFID tag, the controller reads the bar code label at a previous fixed location. Since it is a fixed location, the controller “knows” the recent location of the pallet. Thus, the controller can cue the reader that the pallet will arrive at this location very shortly. As a result, the controller can cue the RFID reader to wake up and go to sleep at predetermined times or intervals. Without this capability, the reader would be on continuously, and reading anything within its RF field-of-view.
Where each RFID R/W component includes an AI component, this can include “self learning” whereby the components communicate with each other and learn patterns and/or characteristics related to the RFID R/W components, controllers, backplane activity, RFID tag activity, etc. The controller does not need to be involved in this self-learning process.
In another example, the AI component can be employed to process signal strengths and determine therefrom which R/W components to assign to tags and/or sets of tags that are in range of communication.
Referring now to FIG. 19, there is illustrated a block diagram of a computer operable to execute the disclosed architecture. In order to provide additional context for various aspects of the subject invention, FIG. 19 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment 1900 in which the various aspects of the invention can be implemented. While the invention has been described above in the general context of computer-executable instructions that may run on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention also can be implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and software.
Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer system configurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associated devices.
The illustrated aspects of the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
A computer typically includes a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media can comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital video disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the computer.
Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
With reference again to FIG. 19, the exemplary computing environment 1900 for implementing various aspects of the invention includes a computer 1902, the computer 1902 including a processing unit 1904, a system memory 1906 and a system bus 1908. The system bus 1908 couples system components including, but not limited to, the system memory 1906 to the processing unit 1904. The processing unit 1904 can be any of various commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processor architectures may also be employed as the processing unit 1904.
The system bus 1908 can be any of several types of bus structure that may further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1906 includes read only memory (ROM) 1910 and random access memory (RAM) 1912. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatile memory 1910 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the computer 1902, such as during start-up. The RAM 1912 can also include a high-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.
The computer 1902 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 1914 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1914 may also be configured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1916, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette 1918) and an optical disk drive 1920, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 1922 or, to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1914, magnetic disk drive 1916 and optical disk drive 1920 can be connected to the system bus 1908 by a hard disk drive interface 1924, a magnetic disk drive interface 1926 and an optical drive interface 1928, respectively. The interface 1924 for external drive implementations includes at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies are within contemplation of the subject invention.
The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executable instructions, and so forth. For the computer 1902, the drives and media accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format. Although the description of computer-readable media above refers to a HDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of media which are readable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and the like, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment, and further, that any such media may contain computer-executable instructions for performing the methods of the invention.
A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1912, including an operating system 1930, one or more application programs 1932, other program modules 1934 and program data 1936. All or portions of the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM 1912. It is appreciated that the invention can be implemented with various commercially available operating systems or combinations of operating systems.
A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1902 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1938 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 1940. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 1904 through an input device interface 1942 that is coupled to the system bus 1908, but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.
A monitor 1944 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus 1908 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1946. In addition to the monitor 1944, a computer typically includes other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.
The computer 1902 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1948. The remote computer(s) 1948 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, a personal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer 1902, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory storage device 1950 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted include wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1952 and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1954. Such LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices, and companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which may connect to a global communication network, e.g., the Internet.
When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1902 is connected to the local network 1952 through a wired and/or wireless communication network interface or adapter 1956. The adaptor 1956 may facilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1952, which may also include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicating with the wireless adaptor 1956.
When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1902 can include a modem 1958, or is connected to a communications server on the WAN 1954, or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 1954, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1958, which can be internal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to the system bus 1908 via the serial port interface 1942. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1902, or portions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 1950. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers can be used.
The computer 1902 is operable to communicate with any wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable data assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™ wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.
Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11(a, b, g, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, or with products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernet networks used in many offices.
Referring now to FIG. 20, there is illustrated a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computing environment 2000 in accordance with the subject invention. The system 2000 includes one or more client(s) 2002. The client(s) 2002 can be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices). The client(s) 2002 can house cookie(s) and/or associated contextual information by employing the invention, for example.
The system 2000 also includes one or more server(s) 2004. The server(s) 2004 can also be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices). The servers 2004 can house threads to perform transformations by employing the invention, for example. One possible communication between a client 2002 and a server 2004 can be in the form of a data packet adapted to be transmitted between two or more computer processes. The data packet may include a cookie and/or associated contextual information, for example. The system 2000 includes a communication framework 2006 (e.g., a global communication network such as the Internet) that can be employed to facilitate communications between the client(s) 2002 and the server(s) 2004.
Communications can be facilitated via a wired (including optical fiber) and/or wireless technology. The client(s) 2002 are operatively connected to one or more client data store(s) 2008 that can be employed to store information local to the client(s) 2002 (e.g., cookie(s) and/or associated contextual information). Similarly, the server(s) 2004 are operatively connected to one or more server data store(s) 2010 that can be employed to store information local to the servers 2004.
What has been described above includes examples of the invention. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the subject invention, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the invention are possible. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims (57)

1. An RFID system, comprising:
a controller having an internal controller communications framework that facilitates communications between components connected thereto;
an RFID (radio frequency identification) reader that interfaces to the internal controller communications frame work and communicates RFID information to the controller; and
an RFID tagging component, which encompasses security information to enable component operation that uploads security data to RFID tags, accesses security data in response to a request to operate the component, and periodically reverifies the security data as a condition for continued operation.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the RFID reader is also a writer.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the internal controller communications framework is packet-based.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the RFID reader is manufactured as part of the internal controller communications framework.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the RFID reader is manufactured an internal component of the controller.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the RFID reader is a module that is separate from the controller.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein configuration data of the RFID reader is stored in the controller.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the RFID reader reads the RFID tag and stores RFID tag information in the controller.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the RFID tag information is communicated from the reader and stored directly into a memory of the controller.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein presence of the tag information triggers activation of middleware software which is utilized to process the tag information.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein a task is initiated in response to the RFID reader reading a tag.
12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a middleware software component internal to RFID reader and that interfaces to the internal controller communications framework.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the RFID reader communicates over the internal controller communications framework according to a CIP (Common Industrial Protocol) communications technology.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller acts as a master device relative to the RFID reader which is a slave device.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the controllers has associated therewith a controller RFID tag that includes controller data and the RFID reader has associated therewith a reader RFID tag that includes reader data.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the internal controller communications framework facilitates communications to a remote node of a network via a network interface.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the RFID reader reads RFID data from a component tag attached to a component that is internal to the controller.
18. The system of claim 1, further comprising an artificial intelligence (AI) component that employs probabilistic and/or statistical-based analysis to prognose or infer an action that a user desires to be automatically performed.
19. The system of claim 1, further comprising a signal strength processing component that processes signal strength values of RFID tags associated with a plurality of RFID readers.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the signal processing component is internal to at least one of the controller and the RFID reader.
21. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller includes the RFID reader to read RFID data of an RFID tag and a bar code scanner to read bar code data of a bar code.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the controller compares a portion of the bar code data with a portion of the RFID data.
23. A rack-mountable system, comprising:
a rack that includes a communications connection and slots for receiving modules that interface to the connection;
a controller that is insertable into the rack, manages signals and data,
an RFID reader that interfaces to the packet-based communication framework to communicate RFID information; and
an RFID tagging component, which encompasses security information to enable component operation that uploads security data to RFID tags, accesses security data in response to a request to operate the component, and periodically reverifies the security data as a condition for continued operation.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the RFID reader is housed as a module that is separate from the controller, and which module inserts into the rack.
25. The system of claim 23, wherein the RFID reader is housed in a chassis that also houses the controller, and the RFID reader communicated RFID tag data to the controller via the packet-based communications framework.
26. The system of claim 23, wherein the RFID reader includes a middleware software component that processes tag data.
27. The system of claim 23, further comprising an RFID tag associated with the controller such that the RFID tag initiates communications with the RFID reader when an event or an attribute changes.
28. The system of claim 23, wherein the rack is associated with a rack tag that stores component data of one or more modules of the rack.
29. The system of claim 23, wherein the controller is associated with a controller tag that stores component data associated with internal controller components.
30. The system of claim 23, wherein the controller includes a component tag that is associated with a corresponding internal controller component.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein the RFID reader reads the component tag to determine a status of the corresponding internal controller component.
32. The system of claim 30, wherein the RFID reader reads the component tag to enable operation of the corresponding internal controller component.
33. The system of claim 30, wherein the RFID reader reads the component tag to determine at least one of warranty and diagnostic data related to the corresponding internal controller component.
34. The system of claim 30, wherein the RFID reader reads the component tag to determine at least one of series code data and revision code data.
35. The system of claim 30, wherein the RFID reader reads the component tag to determine if the internal controller component is a correct component for installation in the rack.
36. The system of claim 30, wherein the internal controller component is the RFID reader.
37. The system of claim 23, wherein the controller receives and processes the RFID information into a secure data stream that is transmitted to a remote database.
38. The system of claim 23, wherein the controller is one of a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a small logic controller (SLC).
39. An RFID system, comprising:
a first RFID component that at least one of reads data from and writes data to a plurality of RFID tags;
a PLC module that controls an automation process, which facilitates processing of the plurality of RFID tags; and
an RFID tagging component, which encompasses security information to enable component operation that uploads security data to RFID tags, accesses security data in response to a request to operate the component, and periodically reverifies the security data as a condition for continued operation.
40. The system of claim 39, wherein the PLC includes a signal strength processing component that receives and processes signal strength data from the first RFID component and a second RFID component, and in response thereto, assigns the first RFID component to a subset of the plurality of RFID tags and the second RFID component to another subset of the plurality of RFID tags.
41. The system of claim 39, wherein the first RFID component is part of one of the PLC module and a standalone crate module, and the second RFID component is disposed as a remote network node.
42. The system of claim 39, wherein the PLC module utilizes internal information associated with material movement to filter the data.
43. A method of providing an RFID-based industrial automation system, comprising:
providing a controller that interacts with one or more aspects of an automation process;
integrating an RFID reader in the industrial controller such that RFID tag data read from an RFID tag associated with the automation process is communicated internally from the RFID reader to the controller; and
uploading security data to RFID tags, accessing security data in response to a request to operate the component, and periodically reverifing the security data as a condition for continued operation.
44. The method of claim 43, further comprising communicating the tag data via a packet-based communications framework that is common to both the RFID reader and the controller.
45. The method of claim 43, wherein the controller is a PLC.
46. The method of claim 43, further comprising at least one of the acts of:
automatically powering down the RFID reader after a predetermined number of read operations; and
automatically powering down the RFID reader after a predetermined time duration.
47. The method of claim 43, further comprising accessing a complete history of an object associated with the RFID tag in response to reading the RFID tag.
48. The method of claim 43, further comprising automatically initiating a task in response to reading the RFID tag.
49. The method of claim 48, wherein the task is executed in at least one of the controller and the RFID reader.
50. The method of claim 43, further comprising reading sensor diagnostics data from the RFID tag.
51. The method of claim 43, further comprising enabling operation of the controller only if series and revision code data stored in an associated controller RFID tag is verified.
52. A method of providing an RFID-based industrial automation system, comprising:
providing a controller that interacts with one or more aspects of an automation process;
integrating an RFID reader in the industrial controller such that RFID tag data read from an RFID tag associated with the automation process is communicated internally from the RFID reader to the controller; and
tagging a component of the controller; and
uploading security data to RFID tags, accessing security data in response to a request to operate the component, and periodically reverifing the security data as a condition for continued operation.
53. The method of claim 52, further comprising acts of:
applying the RFID tag to the component that is the industrial controller;
writing at least one of warranty data, diagnostics data, and key data of the controller to the RFID tag; and
updating the at least one of warranty data, diagnostics data, and key data of the controller to the RFID tag.
54. The method of claim 52, further comprising acts of:
applying the RFID tag to the component that is the RFID reader;
writing at least one of warranty data, diagnostics data, and key data of the RFID reader to the RFID tag; and
updating the at least one of warranty data, diagnostics data, and key data of the RFID reader to the RFID tag.
55. The method of claim 52, further comprising acts of:
applying the RFID tag to an internal component of the controller;
writing at least one of warranty data, diagnostics data, and key data of the internal component to the RFID tag; and
updating the at least one of warranty data, diagnostics data, and key data of the internal component to the RFID tag.
56. The method of claim 52, further comprising acts of:
applying the RFID tag to the controller and a second RFID tag to the RFID reader;
writing key data to the RFID tag and second key data to the second RFID tag; and
enabling operation of the controller and the RFID reader only if the key data and the second key data agree.
57. An RFID-based industrial automation system, comprising:
means for controlling one or more aspects of an automation process;
means for reading with a plurality of reading means tag data from an RFID tag associated with the automation process, at least one of the plurality of reading means is internal to the means for controlling;
means for enabling select ones of the plurality of reading means to read the tag data and disabling select ones of the plurality of reading means from reading the tag data; and
means for uploading security data to RFID tags, accessing security data in response to a request to operate the component, and periodically reverifing the security data as a condition for continued operation.
US11/222,256 2005-09-08 2005-09-08 RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment Active 2027-02-11 US7510110B2 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/222,256 US7510110B2 (en) 2005-09-08 2005-09-08 RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment
EP06803042.8A EP1958169B1 (en) 2005-09-08 2006-09-06 Rfid architecture in an industrial controller environment
PCT/US2006/034721 WO2007030544A2 (en) 2005-09-08 2006-09-06 Rfid architecture in an industrial controller environment
CN2006800410480A CN101300609B (en) 2005-09-08 2006-09-06 RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment
US12/403,225 US8152053B2 (en) 2005-09-08 2009-03-12 RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/222,256 US7510110B2 (en) 2005-09-08 2005-09-08 RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/403,225 Continuation US8152053B2 (en) 2005-09-08 2009-03-12 RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20070055470A1 US20070055470A1 (en) 2007-03-08
US7510110B2 true US7510110B2 (en) 2009-03-31

Family

ID=37831038

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/222,256 Active 2027-02-11 US7510110B2 (en) 2005-09-08 2005-09-08 RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment
US12/403,225 Active 2026-12-26 US8152053B2 (en) 2005-09-08 2009-03-12 RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/403,225 Active 2026-12-26 US8152053B2 (en) 2005-09-08 2009-03-12 RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (2) US7510110B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1958169B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101300609B (en)
WO (1) WO2007030544A2 (en)

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070176772A1 (en) * 2005-10-19 2007-08-02 Ryo Nemoto RFID tag, RFID reader/writer, RFID system, and processing method of RFID system
US20090206154A1 (en) * 2005-09-08 2009-08-20 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Rfid architecture in an industrial controller environment
US20090243808A1 (en) * 2004-11-10 2009-10-01 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Systems and methods that integrate radio frequency identification (rfid) technology with agent-based control systems
US20090303013A1 (en) * 2008-06-05 2009-12-10 The University Of Akron Systems and methods for wireless control of equipment
US7764191B2 (en) 2005-07-26 2010-07-27 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. RFID tag data affecting automation controller with internal database
US7772978B1 (en) 2005-09-26 2010-08-10 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Intelligent RFID tag for magnetic field mapping
US7931197B2 (en) 2005-09-20 2011-04-26 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. RFID-based product manufacturing and lifecycle management
US7932827B2 (en) 2005-07-20 2011-04-26 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Mobile RFID reader with integrated location awareness for material tracking and management
US7997475B2 (en) 2004-11-10 2011-08-16 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Systems and methods that integrate radio frequency identification (RFID) technology with industrial controllers
US8025227B2 (en) 2005-09-30 2011-09-27 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Access to distributed databases via pointer stored in RFID tag
US20110266342A1 (en) * 2010-05-03 2011-11-03 Avery Dennison Corporation Infrastructure-Mounted RFID Tags
US20110281553A1 (en) * 2006-02-06 2011-11-17 Swisscom Ag Method and system for location-dependent billing for services
US8260948B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2012-09-04 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Enhanced controller utilizing RFID technology
US8976030B2 (en) 2012-04-24 2015-03-10 Metrologic Instruments, Inc. Point of sale (POS) based checkout system supporting a customer-transparent two-factor authentication process during product checkout operations
US9367062B2 (en) 2012-12-31 2016-06-14 Robert Bosch Gmbh System and method for operational data retrieval from a power tool
US9612819B2 (en) 2014-09-26 2017-04-04 Airbus Operations (S.A.S.) System and method for automatic reloading of software into embarked equipment
US10460224B1 (en) * 2018-06-19 2019-10-29 Zebra Technologies Corporation Systems and methods for enabling RFID sessions based on imager based object detection
US11213773B2 (en) 2017-03-06 2022-01-04 Cummins Filtration Ip, Inc. Genuine filter recognition with filter monitoring system
US20220203259A1 (en) * 2008-08-15 2022-06-30 Deka Products Limited Partnership Water vending apparatus

Families Citing this family (53)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007059184A2 (en) * 2005-11-15 2007-05-24 Ils Technology Llc Rfid with two tier connectivity, rfid in the plc rack, secure rfid tags and rfid multiplexer system
CN101416200B (en) * 2006-02-15 2013-03-06 传感电子公司 RFID multiplexer for RF switching
US20070285235A1 (en) * 2006-06-07 2007-12-13 Ravigopal Vennelakanti Managing Of Items Distributed In A Global Supply Chain
US8264355B2 (en) 2006-12-14 2012-09-11 Corning Cable Systems Llc RFID systems and methods for optical fiber network deployment and maintenance
US20090027170A1 (en) * 2007-07-27 2009-01-29 Israel Amir Two directional information flow in real time location sensing RFID networks
US8633806B2 (en) * 2007-07-27 2014-01-21 Centrak Two directional information flow in real time location sensing RFID networks
ES2368596T3 (en) * 2007-09-03 2011-11-18 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft PROCEDURE FOR IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN A LOW VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL OPERATION INSTALLATION.
DE102007052125A1 (en) * 2007-10-31 2009-05-07 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Component e.g. printed circuit board, carrier testing system for use in microelectronics field, has communication interfaces assigned to communication units for displaying and/or processing component-specific data
TWI396427B (en) * 2007-11-14 2013-05-11 Chung Shan Inst Of Science The anti - counterfeit identification system and its method of automatic linking the website
EP2235660B1 (en) * 2008-01-15 2015-07-08 Corning Cable Systems LLC Rfid systems and methods for automatically detecting and/or directing the physical configuration of a complex system
CN101526817A (en) * 2008-03-07 2009-09-09 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 Operation authority identifying method for controller
WO2009118018A1 (en) * 2008-03-22 2009-10-01 Festo Ag & Co. Kg Automation system comprising several automation components forming an assembly
US8248208B2 (en) * 2008-07-15 2012-08-21 Corning Cable Systems, Llc. RFID-based active labeling system for telecommunication systems
US8731405B2 (en) * 2008-08-28 2014-05-20 Corning Cable Systems Llc RFID-based systems and methods for collecting telecommunications network information
KR100986746B1 (en) 2008-12-29 2010-10-08 재단법인 광양만권 유아이티연구소 RFID system linked with PLC
WO2010079398A1 (en) * 2009-01-06 2010-07-15 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Lighting control system with wireless sensor
US20100180183A1 (en) * 2009-01-12 2010-07-15 Macronix International Co., Ltd. Circuit for reducing the read disturbance in memory
US20110047263A1 (en) * 2009-08-24 2011-02-24 Carlos Martins Method and System for Automatic Location Tracking of Information Technology Components in a Data Center
US20110047188A1 (en) * 2009-08-24 2011-02-24 Carios Martins Method and System for Automatic Tracking of Information Technology Components and Corresponding Power Outlets in a Data Center
JP6017958B2 (en) * 2009-10-02 2016-11-02 ペリー,ケビン system
US20110202554A1 (en) * 2010-02-18 2011-08-18 Hand Held Products, Inc. Remote device management system and method
DE102010010890B4 (en) * 2010-03-10 2012-03-22 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft A method for replacing an existing guide in an automation system by a new guide and trained automation system
EP2577346A4 (en) * 2010-06-01 2015-04-22 Adeptence Llc Systems and methods for indoor positioning
US8588284B2 (en) * 2010-06-01 2013-11-19 Adeptence, Llc Systems and methods for networked wearable medical sensors
US20110302264A1 (en) * 2010-06-02 2011-12-08 International Business Machines Corporation Rfid network to support processing of rfid data captured within a network domain
SG186282A1 (en) * 2010-06-14 2013-01-30 Trutag Technologies Inc System for verifying an item in a package
JP5454408B2 (en) * 2010-07-30 2014-03-26 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Sensing device and electronic device
ES2460917T3 (en) * 2011-08-25 2014-05-16 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Procedure and writing-reading device for an arrangement with several non-contact readable transponders
KR101288161B1 (en) * 2012-04-13 2013-07-19 엘에스산전 주식회사 Apparatus for encoding rfid tag
US9563832B2 (en) 2012-10-08 2017-02-07 Corning Incorporated Excess radio-frequency (RF) power storage and power sharing RF identification (RFID) tags, and related connection systems and methods
FR3004566B1 (en) * 2013-04-16 2016-07-29 Airbus Sas MASTER AND SLAVE RADIO LABELS FOR EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD
US10168676B2 (en) 2014-04-29 2019-01-01 Cox Communications, Inc. Systems and methods for intelligent customization of an automation control service
CN106575108B (en) * 2014-08-04 2021-03-16 Abb瑞士股份有限公司 Industrial control system with communication busbar and power busbar
US9897990B2 (en) * 2015-05-04 2018-02-20 Rockwell Automation Germany Gmbh & Co. Kg Safety controller with rapid backup and configuration
US11347983B2 (en) * 2015-05-29 2022-05-31 Hive Technology Method and apparatus for selecting a wireless reader action as a result of an output data received from a wireless identification device
US9520043B1 (en) * 2015-06-17 2016-12-13 Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. Identifying an outlet of a power distribution unit based on a power rating of an electronic device
DE102015113577A1 (en) * 2015-08-17 2017-02-23 Endress + Hauser Wetzer Gmbh + Co Kg System, transmitter and method for wireless temperature measurement for a measuring point of automation technology
CN105654010B (en) * 2015-12-16 2017-11-07 广东工业大学 A kind of RFID tag collision-proof method based on adaptive search strategies
CN105858479A (en) * 2016-06-08 2016-08-17 中船第九设计研究院工程有限公司 Distributed large gantry crane weighing system based on Ethernet
US10599966B1 (en) * 2016-06-28 2020-03-24 Hs Labs, Inc. Water detection assembly
US10352299B2 (en) 2016-08-05 2019-07-16 General Electric Company System and method for automatically updating wind turbine data based on component self-identification
CA3198521C (en) * 2017-02-24 2024-02-27 Fonex Data Systems Inc. System and method for programming pluggable transceivers
CN107680352A (en) * 2017-09-23 2018-02-09 张曦曦 A kind of intelligence system for being used to prevent that student from leaving behind book
EP3462260A1 (en) * 2017-09-29 2019-04-03 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method and system for monitoring the condition of a production device
US10331919B2 (en) * 2017-10-19 2019-06-25 Quanta Computer Inc. Radiofrequency identification management of server components
CN109754030A (en) * 2018-02-12 2019-05-14 海控复合材料科技有限公司 The production management system of composite material storage and transportation bottle
CN109190424B (en) * 2018-07-25 2023-08-25 国网浙江省电力有限公司杭州供电公司 Electronic tag data acquisition system and method
BE1026569B1 (en) 2018-08-27 2020-03-23 Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co Control and data transmission system to support various communication protocols and an adapter module
CN109144006B (en) * 2018-09-08 2020-11-24 同福集团股份有限公司 Real-time acquisition system for product quality data on production line
US11716118B2 (en) 2018-12-21 2023-08-01 Fonex Data Systems Inc. Systems and methods for programming pluggable transceivers
EP3734377A1 (en) 2019-05-02 2020-11-04 ABB Schweiz AG Method for configuring automation apparatus, automation apparatus, and reader apparatus
CN110245732B (en) * 2019-06-06 2022-05-17 深圳市数码人技术有限公司 U-bit digital management and control device and circuit board thereof
CN115334052A (en) * 2022-07-26 2022-11-11 苏州慧工云信息科技有限公司 Instant conference system and conference management method

Citations (94)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3858212A (en) 1972-08-29 1974-12-31 L Tompkins Multi-purpose information gathering and distribution system
US4949299A (en) 1987-12-04 1990-08-14 Allen-Bradley Company, Inc. Industrial control communication network and method
US5613228A (en) 1992-07-06 1997-03-18 Micron Technology, Inc. Gain adjustment method in two-way communication systems
US5621199A (en) 1995-04-03 1997-04-15 Datalogic, Inc. RFID reader
US5629981A (en) 1994-07-29 1997-05-13 Texas Instruments Incorporated Information management and security system
US5701127A (en) 1993-02-23 1997-12-23 Texas Instruments Incorporated Automatic vehicle identification system capable of vehicle lane discrimination
US5703347A (en) 1991-11-04 1997-12-30 Spectra-Physics Scanning Systems, Inc. Multiple-interface selection system for computer peripherals
US5785181A (en) 1995-11-02 1998-07-28 Clothestrak, Inc. Permanent RFID garment tracking system
US5822714A (en) 1997-03-05 1998-10-13 International Business Machines Corporation Data processing system and method for accessing a plurality of radio frequency identification tags
US5874724A (en) 1997-01-10 1999-02-23 International Business Machines Corporation Light selectable radio frequency identification tag and method therefor
US5874896A (en) 1996-08-26 1999-02-23 Palomar Technologies Corporation Electronic anti-shoplifting system employing an RFID tag
US5910776A (en) 1994-10-24 1999-06-08 Id Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for identifying locating or monitoring equipment or other objects
US5949335A (en) 1998-04-14 1999-09-07 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation RFID tagging system for network assets
US5963134A (en) 1997-07-24 1999-10-05 Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Inventory system using articles with RFID tags
US5964656A (en) 1998-05-19 1999-10-12 Meat Processing Service Corp. Inc. Radio frequency identification device and method of use
US5973600A (en) 1997-09-11 1999-10-26 Precision Dynamics Corporation Laminated radio frequency identification device
US5971587A (en) 1997-08-01 1999-10-26 Kato; Kiroku Package and mail delivery system
US6049745A (en) 1997-02-10 2000-04-11 Fmc Corporation Navigation system for automatic guided vehicle
US6091998A (en) 1998-09-30 2000-07-18 Rockwell Technologies, Llc Self organizing industrial control system using bidding process
US6116505A (en) 1998-07-21 2000-09-12 Gilbarco Inc. Fuel transaction system for enabling the purchase of fuel and non-fuel items on a single authorization
US6121878A (en) 1998-05-01 2000-09-19 Intermec Ip Corp. System for controlling assets
US6144301A (en) 1997-02-10 2000-11-07 Safetrac Control Systems, Inc. Electronic tracking tag
US6150948A (en) 1999-04-24 2000-11-21 Soundcraft, Inc. Low-power radio frequency identification reader
US6154790A (en) 1998-07-10 2000-11-28 International Business Machines Monitoring and reporting hard disk drives identification using radio frequency
US6170059B1 (en) 1998-07-10 2001-01-02 International Business Machines Corporation Tracking memory modules within a computer system
US6169483B1 (en) 1999-05-04 2001-01-02 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation Self-checkout/self-check-in RFID and electronics article surveillance system
US6172609B1 (en) 1997-05-14 2001-01-09 Avid Identification Systems, Inc. Reader for RFID system
US6205362B1 (en) 1997-11-24 2001-03-20 Agilent Technologies, Inc. Constructing applications in distributed control systems using components having built-in behaviors
US6211789B1 (en) 1998-03-09 2001-04-03 Courtney A. Oldham Method and system for manual entry of data into integrated electronic database for livestock data collection
US6263440B1 (en) 1998-07-10 2001-07-17 International Business Machines Corporation Tracking and protection of display monitors by reporting their identity
US6265976B1 (en) 2000-06-23 2001-07-24 Single Chip Systems Corporation Method and apparatus for providing receiver dual channel coupling in a reader for RFID tags
US6264106B1 (en) 1999-12-27 2001-07-24 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Combination bar code scanner/RFID circuit
US6272321B1 (en) 1996-09-13 2001-08-07 Temic Semiconductor Gmbh Method for tuning an oscillating receiver circuit of a transponder built into a RFID system
US6275681B1 (en) 1998-04-16 2001-08-14 Motorola, Inc. Wireless electrostatic charging and communicating system
US6282407B1 (en) 1998-04-16 2001-08-28 Motorola, Inc. Active electrostatic transceiver and communicating system
US6285295B1 (en) 1998-12-14 2001-09-04 Martin S. Casden Passive remote programmer for induction type RFID readers
US6286763B1 (en) 1999-09-21 2001-09-11 Intermac Ip Corp. Method and apparatus to automatically search data carriers, such as RFID tags and machine-readable symbols
US6286762B1 (en) 1999-09-21 2001-09-11 Intermec Ip Corp. Method and apparatus to perform a predefined search on data carriers, such as RFID tags
US6307517B1 (en) 2000-06-13 2001-10-23 Applied Wireless Identifications Group, Inc. Metal compensated radio frequency identification reader
US6305548B1 (en) 1998-09-18 2001-10-23 Hitachi, Ltd. Method and system for recycling discarded industrial products
US6317027B1 (en) 1999-01-12 2001-11-13 Randy Watkins Auto-tunning scanning proximity reader
US6318636B1 (en) 1999-09-21 2001-11-20 Intermec Ip Corp. Method and apparatus to read different types of data carriers, such RFID tags and machine-readable symbols, and a user interface for the same
US6342839B1 (en) 1998-03-09 2002-01-29 Aginfolink Holdings Inc. Method and apparatus for a livestock data collection and management system
US6354493B1 (en) 1999-12-23 2002-03-12 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation System and method for finding a specific RFID tagged article located in a plurality of RFID tagged articles
US6362738B1 (en) 1998-04-16 2002-03-26 Motorola, Inc. Reader for use in a radio frequency identification system and method thereof
US6366206B1 (en) 1999-06-02 2002-04-02 Ball Semiconductor, Inc. Method and apparatus for attaching tags to medical and non-medical devices
US6377203B1 (en) 2000-02-01 2002-04-23 3M Innovative Properties Company Collision arbitration method and apparatus for reading multiple radio frequency identification tags
US6392544B1 (en) 2000-09-25 2002-05-21 Motorola, Inc. Method and apparatus for selectively activating radio frequency identification tags that are in close proximity
US6400272B1 (en) 1999-04-01 2002-06-04 Presto Technologies, Inc. Wireless transceiver for communicating with tags
US20020067265A1 (en) * 2000-03-15 2002-06-06 Rudolph Richard F. Intelligent Package For Controlled Product Distribution
US6401936B1 (en) 1999-04-30 2002-06-11 Siemens Electrocom, L.P. Divert apparatus for conveyor system
US6409401B1 (en) 2000-03-30 2002-06-25 Zih Corp. Portable printer with RFID encoder
US6415978B1 (en) 1999-05-03 2002-07-09 Psc Scanning, Inc. Multiple technology data reader for bar code labels and RFID tags
US6429776B1 (en) 2001-02-07 2002-08-06 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation RFID reader with integrated display for use in a product tag system
US6445969B1 (en) 1997-01-27 2002-09-03 Circuit Image Systems Statistical process control integration systems and methods for monitoring manufacturing processes
US6445297B1 (en) 2000-10-10 2002-09-03 Escort Memory Systems Modular RFID antenna system
US6448886B2 (en) 1998-08-14 2002-09-10 3M Innovative Properties Company Application for radio frequency identification systems
US6451154B1 (en) 2000-02-18 2002-09-17 Moore North America, Inc. RFID manufacturing concepts
US6476708B1 (en) 1998-03-20 2002-11-05 Hid Corporation Detection of an RFID device by an RF reader unit operating in a reduced power state
US6480100B1 (en) 2001-03-09 2002-11-12 Sat Corporation Radio frequency identification tag formatting method
US6501382B1 (en) 2001-06-11 2002-12-31 Timken Company Bearing with data storage device
US6505780B1 (en) 2001-12-05 2003-01-14 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Personalize vehicle settings using RF tags
US6517000B1 (en) 1999-05-03 2003-02-11 Psc Scanning, Inc. Dual ended cable for connecting electronic article surveillance antenna with RFID equipment
US6523752B2 (en) 2000-02-23 2003-02-25 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. RFID reader and communications apparatus, and delivery article sorting method and system using RFID reader and communications apparatus
US6529880B1 (en) 1999-12-01 2003-03-04 Intermec Ip Corp. Automatic payment system for a plurality of remote merchants
US6547040B2 (en) 2001-04-02 2003-04-15 Ncr Corporation Self-service checkout system with RFID capability
US6549064B2 (en) 2001-02-12 2003-04-15 Matrics, Inc. Efficient charge pump apparatus
US6554187B2 (en) 2001-03-23 2003-04-29 Ncr Corporation Method of detecting and managing RFID labels on items brought into a store by a customer
US6563425B2 (en) 2000-08-11 2003-05-13 Escort Memory Systems RFID passive repeater system and apparatus
US6566997B1 (en) 1999-12-03 2003-05-20 Hid Corporation Interference control method for RFID systems
US6585165B1 (en) 1999-06-29 2003-07-01 Sony Chemicals Corp. IC card having a mica capacitor
US6593853B1 (en) 2000-02-18 2003-07-15 Brady Worldwide, Inc. RFID label printing system
US6600418B2 (en) 2000-12-12 2003-07-29 3M Innovative Properties Company Object tracking and management system and method using radio-frequency identification tags
US6608551B1 (en) 1999-09-13 2003-08-19 Intermec Ip Corp Low-cost radio replacement utilizing RFID technology
US6607123B1 (en) 1998-03-19 2003-08-19 S World Golf Systems Ltd. Identifying golf balls
US6608561B2 (en) 1998-05-19 2003-08-19 Meat Processing Service Corp., Inc. Method for making a radio frequency identification device
US6617962B1 (en) 2000-01-06 2003-09-09 Samsys Technologies Inc. System for multi-standard RFID tags
US6621417B2 (en) 2001-08-09 2003-09-16 Edgar Alan Duncan Passive RFID transponder/reader system and method for hidden obstacle detection and avoidance
US6622567B1 (en) 1999-03-01 2003-09-23 Microstrain, Inc. Micropower peak strain detection system for remote interrogation
US6641042B1 (en) 1999-08-25 2003-11-04 Sick Ag Method and an apparatus for the identification and localization of objects
US6650227B1 (en) 1999-12-08 2003-11-18 Hid Corporation Reader for a radio frequency identification system having automatic tuning capability
US6664897B2 (en) 1998-03-09 2003-12-16 William R. Pape Method and system for livestock data collection and management
US6669089B2 (en) 2001-11-12 2003-12-30 3M Innovative Properties Co Radio frequency identification systems for asset tracking
US6677852B1 (en) 1999-09-22 2004-01-13 Intermec Ip Corp. System and method for automatically controlling or configuring a device, such as an RFID reader
US6687293B1 (en) 2000-06-23 2004-02-03 Microchip Technology Incorporated Method, system and apparatus for calibrating a pulse position modulation (PPM) decoder to a PPM signal
US6700931B1 (en) 2000-07-06 2004-03-02 Microchip Technology Incorporated Method, system and apparatus for initiating and maintaining synchronization of a pulse position modulation (PPM) decoder with a received PPM signal
US6707376B1 (en) 2002-08-09 2004-03-16 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation Pulsed power method for increased read range for a radio frequency identification reader
US6712276B1 (en) 1999-01-29 2004-03-30 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for automated measurement of properties of perishable consumer products
US6714121B1 (en) 1999-08-09 2004-03-30 Micron Technology, Inc. RFID material tracking method and apparatus
US6724308B2 (en) 2000-08-11 2004-04-20 Escort Memory Systems RFID tracking method and system
US6726099B2 (en) 2002-09-05 2004-04-27 Honeywell International Inc. RFID tag having multiple transceivers
US20040095910A1 (en) * 2002-11-18 2004-05-20 Bryan Metts PLC based wireless communications
US6745008B1 (en) 2000-06-06 2004-06-01 Battelle Memorial Institute K1-53 Multi-frequency communication system and method
US20060279412A1 (en) * 2005-06-13 2006-12-14 Holland Joshua H System for using RFID tags as data storage devices

Family Cites Families (230)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2999499A (en) * 1958-07-11 1961-09-12 Cutter Lab Flexible check valve
GB2060785B (en) * 1979-09-26 1983-11-23 Hamworthy Engineering Opposed piston machinery
US4722372A (en) * 1985-08-02 1988-02-02 Louis Hoffman Associates Inc. Electrically operated dispensing apparatus and disposable container useable therewith
US4967940A (en) * 1989-02-21 1990-11-06 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Co. Method and apparatus for precision squeeze tube valving, pumping and dispensing of work fluid(s)
US5494193A (en) * 1990-06-06 1996-02-27 The Coca-Cola Company Postmix beverage dispensing system
US5947167A (en) * 1992-05-11 1999-09-07 Cytologix Corporation Dispensing assembly with interchangeable cartridge pumps
US5300875A (en) 1992-06-08 1994-04-05 Micron Technology, Inc. Passive (non-contact) recharging of secondary battery cell(s) powering RFID transponder tags
GB9211539D0 (en) 1992-06-01 1992-07-15 Ducost Eng Ltd Control of paint spraying machines and the like
US5402477A (en) 1992-07-31 1995-03-28 Mcmahan; Michael L. System and method for configuring a telephone
US20050192727A1 (en) 1994-05-09 2005-09-01 Automotive Technologies International Inc. Sensor Assemblies
US5798693A (en) 1995-06-07 1998-08-25 Engellenner; Thomas J. Electronic locating systems
US5952935A (en) * 1996-05-03 1999-09-14 Destron-Fearing Corporation Programmable channel search reader
US6802659B2 (en) 1996-08-07 2004-10-12 Mats Cremon Arrangement for automatic setting of programmable devices and materials therefor
US5983200A (en) * 1996-10-09 1999-11-09 Slotznick; Benjamin Intelligent agent for executing delegated tasks
US6353406B1 (en) * 1996-10-17 2002-03-05 R.F. Technologies, Inc. Dual mode tracking system
US6812824B1 (en) * 1996-10-17 2004-11-02 Rf Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus combining a tracking system and a wireless communication system
US6441854B2 (en) 1997-02-20 2002-08-27 Eastman Kodak Company Electronic camera with quick review of last captured image
US7028899B2 (en) 1999-06-07 2006-04-18 Metrologic Instruments, Inc. Method of speckle-noise pattern reduction and apparatus therefore based on reducing the temporal-coherence of the planar laser illumination beam before it illuminates the target object by applying temporal phase modulation techniques during the transmission of the plib towards the target
US6879809B1 (en) * 1998-04-16 2005-04-12 Motorola, Inc. Wireless electrostatic charging and communicating system
US6115616A (en) 1998-05-28 2000-09-05 International Business Machines Corporation Hand held telephone set with separable keyboard
WO2000002236A2 (en) 1998-07-07 2000-01-13 Memc Electronic Materials, Inc. Radio frequency identification system and method for tracking silicon wafers
US6282455B1 (en) * 1998-10-19 2001-08-28 Rockwell Technologies, Llc Walk-through human/machine interface for industrial control
US5992096A (en) * 1998-10-19 1999-11-30 Pooch Pass, Inc. Controllable pet access system
US6917291B2 (en) 1998-10-26 2005-07-12 Identec Solutions Inc. Interrogation, monitoring and data exchange using RFID tags
US6587856B1 (en) * 1998-12-07 2003-07-01 Oracle International Corporation Method and system for representing and accessing object-oriented data in a relational database system
US6828902B2 (en) * 1998-12-14 2004-12-07 Soundcraft, Inc. Wireless data input to RFID reader
US6999955B1 (en) 1999-04-20 2006-02-14 Microsoft Corporation Systems and methods for estimating and integrating measures of human cognitive load into the behavior of computational applications and services
US6700533B1 (en) * 1999-05-06 2004-03-02 Rf Technologies, Inc. Asset and personnel tagging system utilizing GPS
US6784789B2 (en) 1999-07-08 2004-08-31 Intermec Ip Corp. Method and apparatus for verifying RFID tags
US6731904B1 (en) * 1999-07-20 2004-05-04 Andrew Corporation Side-to-side repeater
US6297734B1 (en) * 1999-09-23 2001-10-02 Northrop Grumman Corporation Randomization of transmit time
US7411921B2 (en) 1999-10-21 2008-08-12 Rf Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for integrating wireless communication and asset location
TW535454B (en) * 1999-10-21 2003-06-01 Semiconductor Energy Lab Electro-optical device
JP2001126038A (en) 1999-10-29 2001-05-11 Toshiba Corp Reader writer and communication condition setting method for the same
US6400372B1 (en) * 1999-11-29 2002-06-04 Xerox Corporation Methods and apparatuses for selecting levels of detail for objects having multi-resolution models in graphics displays
US7161470B2 (en) * 2000-01-14 2007-01-09 3M Innovative Properties Company User interface for portable RFID reader
US6943678B2 (en) 2000-01-24 2005-09-13 Nextreme, L.L.C. Thermoformed apparatus having a communications device
GB0004455D0 (en) * 2000-02-26 2000-04-19 Glaxo Group Ltd Manufacturing method
GB0004456D0 (en) 2000-02-26 2000-04-19 Glaxo Group Ltd Medicament dispenser
US6865509B1 (en) 2000-03-10 2005-03-08 Smiths Detection - Pasadena, Inc. System for providing control to an industrial process using one or more multidimensional variables
EP1265521A2 (en) 2000-03-24 2002-12-18 International Paper Rfid tag for authentication and identification
EP1360619A2 (en) 2000-04-07 2003-11-12 The Procter & Gamble Company Method and apparatus for monitoring the effective velocity of items through a store or warehouse
US7194072B2 (en) 2000-04-19 2007-03-20 Gamble Oliver W Method and system for remotely accessing and controlling remote devices
AU2001254551A1 (en) 2000-04-20 2001-11-07 Cogiscan Inc. Automated manufacturing control system
US6377764B1 (en) 2000-06-26 2002-04-23 Xerox Corporation Method and apparatus for communication, without a solid medium, among control boards in a printing apparatus
US6853294B1 (en) * 2000-07-26 2005-02-08 Intermec Ip Corp. Networking applications for automated data collection
US6816817B1 (en) 2000-09-28 2004-11-09 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Networked control system with real time monitoring
US6685059B2 (en) * 2000-09-29 2004-02-03 Pepsico, Inc. Brewed iced tea or non-carbonated drink dispenser
US6873260B2 (en) * 2000-09-29 2005-03-29 Kenneth J. Lancos System and method for selectively allowing the passage of a guest through a region within a coverage area
US6883710B2 (en) 2000-10-11 2005-04-26 Amerasia International Technology, Inc. Article tracking system and method
DE10061299A1 (en) * 2000-12-08 2002-06-27 Siemens Ag Device for determining and / or forwarding at least one environmental influence, production method and use thereof
US7155264B2 (en) * 2000-12-22 2006-12-26 Terahop Networks, Inc. Systems and methods having LPRF device wake up using wireless tag
US6870797B2 (en) * 2001-01-04 2005-03-22 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Media storage system using a transponder for transmitting data signal
US6885860B2 (en) * 2001-01-19 2005-04-26 Microsoft Corporation Information management and processing in a wireless network
US20040069851A1 (en) * 2001-03-13 2004-04-15 Grunes Mitchell B. Radio frequency identification reader with removable media
US6861954B2 (en) 2001-03-30 2005-03-01 Bruce H. Levin Tracking medical products with integrated circuits
US6793127B2 (en) * 2001-04-04 2004-09-21 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Internet enabled resource constrained terminal for processing tags
US6812838B1 (en) 2001-04-26 2004-11-02 Key-Trak, Inc. Key control system using separate ID and location detection mechanisms
US7076441B2 (en) 2001-05-03 2006-07-11 International Business Machines Corporation Identification and tracking of persons using RFID-tagged items in store environments
US6703935B1 (en) * 2001-05-14 2004-03-09 Amerasia International Technology, Inc. Antenna arrangement for RFID smart tags
US7588185B2 (en) 2001-06-07 2009-09-15 3M Innovative Properties Company RFID data collection and use
US7303120B2 (en) 2001-07-10 2007-12-04 American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. System for biometric security using a FOB
US7127507B1 (en) 2001-09-27 2006-10-24 Sprint Communications Company L.P. Method and apparatus for network-level monitoring of queue-based messaging systems
US6912291B2 (en) * 2001-10-10 2005-06-28 Fang Tien Huang Structure of a receptacle for earphone wire
US6737973B2 (en) * 2001-10-15 2004-05-18 3M Innovative Properties Company Amplifier modulation
US7398232B2 (en) * 2001-11-14 2008-07-08 Sap Aktiengesellschaft Inventory early warning agent in a supply chain management system
US7644863B2 (en) * 2001-11-14 2010-01-12 Sap Aktiengesellschaft Agent using detailed predictive model
US6809646B1 (en) 2001-12-06 2004-10-26 Applied Wireless Identifications Group, Inc. Thin implantable RFID transponder suitable for use in an identification badge
US6614392B2 (en) * 2001-12-07 2003-09-02 Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. Combination RFID and GPS functionality on intelligent label
JP2003195914A (en) 2001-12-28 2003-07-11 Fuji Electric Co Ltd Ic card access control unit for plc
US7380213B2 (en) * 2001-12-28 2008-05-27 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. User interface for reporting event-based production information in product manufacturing
EP1470613A4 (en) * 2002-01-09 2005-10-05 Meadwestvaco Corp Intelligent station using multiple rf antennae and inventory control system and method incorporating same
US8321302B2 (en) 2002-01-23 2012-11-27 Sensormatic Electronics, LLC Inventory management system
US6901304B2 (en) * 2002-01-11 2005-05-31 Sap Aktiengesellschaft Item tracking system architectures providing real-time visibility to supply chain
US6812841B2 (en) * 2002-01-23 2004-11-02 Intermec Ip Corp. Passive RFID tag that retains state after temporary loss of power
US6935560B2 (en) 2002-02-26 2005-08-30 Safety Syringes, Inc. Systems and methods for tracking pharmaceuticals within a facility
JP4434549B2 (en) 2002-03-07 2010-03-17 株式会社日立製作所 Management apparatus and management method
US7187288B2 (en) * 2002-03-18 2007-03-06 Paratek Microwave, Inc. RFID tag reading system and method
US7183922B2 (en) 2002-03-18 2007-02-27 Paratek Microwave, Inc. Tracking apparatus, system and method
US20030203730A1 (en) 2002-04-11 2003-10-30 Dadong Wan Location-based remote monitoring
US6774797B2 (en) * 2002-05-10 2004-08-10 On Guard Plus Limited Wireless tag and monitoring center system for tracking the activities of individuals
US6808116B1 (en) 2002-05-29 2004-10-26 At&T Corp. Fiber jumpers with data storage method and apparatus
US7075412B1 (en) * 2002-05-30 2006-07-11 Thingmagic L.L.C. Methods and apparatus for operating a radio device
US6747560B2 (en) * 2002-06-27 2004-06-08 Ncr Corporation System and method of detecting movement of an item
US20040008123A1 (en) * 2002-07-15 2004-01-15 Battelle Memorial Institute System and method for tracking medical devices
US6878896B2 (en) * 2002-07-24 2005-04-12 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Synchronous semi-automatic parallel sorting
US6859757B2 (en) * 2002-07-31 2005-02-22 Sap Aktiengesellschaft Complex article tagging with maintenance related information
US8219466B2 (en) 2002-08-05 2012-07-10 John Yupeng Gui System and method for providing asset management and tracking capabilities
US6975229B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2005-12-13 Battelle Memorial Institute K1-53 System and method for acquisition management of subject position information
US7180627B2 (en) * 2002-08-16 2007-02-20 Paxar Corporation Hand-held portable printer with RFID read/write capability
JP3953913B2 (en) 2002-08-20 2007-08-08 日立オムロンターミナルソリューションズ株式会社 IC card reader
US6752277B1 (en) * 2002-08-20 2004-06-22 Masters Of Branding, Inc. Product display system using radio frequency identification
US20040046642A1 (en) * 2002-09-05 2004-03-11 Honeywell International Inc. Protocol for addressing groups of RFID tags
US7009495B2 (en) * 2002-10-02 2006-03-07 Battelle Memorial Institute System and method to identify multiple RFID tags
US6842106B2 (en) * 2002-10-04 2005-01-11 Battelle Memorial Institute Challenged-based tag authentication model
US7079023B2 (en) 2002-10-04 2006-07-18 Sap Aktiengesellschaft Active object identification and data collection
US7230730B2 (en) 2002-10-29 2007-06-12 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Selective printing after consumable exhaustion
US6866195B2 (en) 2002-10-31 2005-03-15 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods of inventory management utilizing unattended facilities
US7278571B2 (en) * 2002-11-15 2007-10-09 Sensitech Inc. Methods and apparatus for communicating condition information associated with an item
US7061379B2 (en) * 2002-11-21 2006-06-13 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. RFID system and method for ensuring safety of hazardous or dangerous substances
US7009519B2 (en) * 2002-11-21 2006-03-07 S.C. Johnson & Sons, Inc. Product dispensing controlled by RFID tags
US6853303B2 (en) * 2002-11-21 2005-02-08 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. RFID system and method for ensuring personnel safety
US7221258B2 (en) 2002-11-23 2007-05-22 Kathleen Lane Hierarchical electronic watermarks and method of use
JP3753126B2 (en) * 2002-11-29 2006-03-08 ブラザー工業株式会社 Medium edge detection device and image forming apparatus
US6791603B2 (en) 2002-12-03 2004-09-14 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation Event driven video tracking system
US6840445B2 (en) * 2002-12-09 2005-01-11 Caterpillar Inc. System and method for compiling a machine service history
US6750769B1 (en) * 2002-12-12 2004-06-15 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and apparatus for using RFID tags to determine the position of an object
US7066388B2 (en) 2002-12-18 2006-06-27 Symbol Technologies, Inc. System and method for verifying RFID reads
US20040220860A1 (en) 2002-12-20 2004-11-04 Michael Persky Self-checkout system having integrated RFID reader
US6940408B2 (en) 2002-12-31 2005-09-06 Avery Dennison Corporation RFID device and method of forming
US6888459B2 (en) * 2003-02-03 2005-05-03 Louis A. Stilp RFID based security system
US7053764B2 (en) * 2003-02-03 2006-05-30 Ingrid, Inc. Controller for a security system
US7373087B2 (en) 2003-02-27 2008-05-13 Oplink Communications, Inc. Adaptive optical transponder
US7248159B2 (en) 2003-03-01 2007-07-24 User-Centric Ip, Lp User-centric event reporting
US7212637B2 (en) 2003-03-11 2007-05-01 Rimage Corporation Cartridge validation with radio frequency identification
US20040181467A1 (en) 2003-03-14 2004-09-16 Samir Raiyani Multi-modal warehouse applications
DE10314260A1 (en) 2003-03-29 2004-10-07 Abb Patent Gmbh Individual identification of transportable objects during manufacturing processes, whereby objects are identified with detachable identification means that can be written to or read from by read-write units during the process
US7103087B2 (en) 2003-03-31 2006-09-05 Intermec Ip Corp. Frequency hopping spread spectrum scheme for RFID reader
US7135976B2 (en) 2003-03-31 2006-11-14 Rftrax, Inc. Wireless monitoring device
US20050179521A1 (en) 2004-02-12 2005-08-18 Intermec Ip Corp. Frequency hopping method for RFID tag
US7156292B2 (en) * 2003-04-07 2007-01-02 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Validating competition entry
FR2853982B1 (en) 2003-04-17 2009-05-22 Alcea METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF OBJECTS, SECURE CONTAINERS AND SYSTEMS HAVING SUCH DEVICE, AND OBJECTS ADAPTED FOR THIS METHOD
US7081818B2 (en) * 2003-05-19 2006-07-25 Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Article identification and tracking using electronic shadows created by RFID tags
US6903656B1 (en) * 2003-05-27 2005-06-07 Applied Wireless Identifications Group, Inc. RFID reader with multiple antenna selection and automated antenna matching
US7336243B2 (en) 2003-05-29 2008-02-26 Sky Cross, Inc. Radio frequency identification tag
US6992574B2 (en) * 2003-07-02 2006-01-31 International Business Machines Corporation Object matching via RFID
US7627334B2 (en) 2003-07-21 2009-12-01 Contextual Information, Inc. Systems and methods for context relevant information management and display
US6868630B2 (en) * 2003-08-04 2005-03-22 Paul T. Kim Picture holding system
US7073712B2 (en) 2003-08-06 2006-07-11 Clintrak Clinical Labeling Services, Llc RFID encoding/verifying apparatus
US20050062603A1 (en) * 2003-08-06 2005-03-24 Oren Fuerst Secure, networked and wireless access, storage and retrival system and method utilizing tags and modular nodes
US6897763B2 (en) * 2003-08-07 2005-05-24 Eastman Kodak Company Retail signage management system
US20050035849A1 (en) * 2003-08-12 2005-02-17 Yadgar Yizhack Method and system for inventory count of articles with RFID tags
US7672872B2 (en) * 2003-08-22 2010-03-02 Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc. Point-of-purchase display with RFID inventory control
US6847856B1 (en) * 2003-08-29 2005-01-25 Lucent Technologies Inc. Method for determining juxtaposition of physical components with use of RFID tags
US7248165B2 (en) * 2003-09-09 2007-07-24 Motorola, Inc. Method and apparatus for multiple frequency RFID tag architecture
US20050058483A1 (en) * 2003-09-12 2005-03-17 Chapman Theodore A. RFID tag and printer system
US7023342B2 (en) 2003-09-17 2006-04-04 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Continuous wave (CW)—fixed multiple frequency triggered, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and system and method employing same
KR100540194B1 (en) * 2003-09-23 2006-01-10 한국전자통신연구원 Establishment System of RFID Tag Using Vehicle and Method Using It
US7026936B2 (en) * 2003-09-30 2006-04-11 Id Solutions, Inc. Distributed RF coupled system
US7148803B2 (en) * 2003-10-24 2006-12-12 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Radio frequency identification (RFID) based sensor networks
US7298330B2 (en) * 2003-11-04 2007-11-20 Avery Dennison Corporation RFID tag with enhanced readability
CA2586333A1 (en) * 2003-11-04 2005-05-19 Captech Ventures, Inc. System and method for rfid system integration
US7298243B2 (en) 2003-11-12 2007-11-20 Rsa Security Inc. Radio frequency identification system with privacy policy implementation based on device classification
JP2005157806A (en) 2003-11-26 2005-06-16 Honda Motor Co Ltd Component mounting management system
ATE475949T1 (en) 2003-12-09 2010-08-15 Sap Ag INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SYSTEM AND DATA PROCESSING METHOD THEREOF
US7345576B2 (en) 2003-12-10 2008-03-18 Identec Solutions Inc. Method and apparatus for resolving RFID-based object traffic transactions to a single container in the presence of a plurality of containers
JP2005174099A (en) 2003-12-12 2005-06-30 Denso Wave Inc Maintenance device for reader/writer
JP2005176713A (en) 2003-12-19 2005-07-07 Yokogawa Electric Corp Cereals-drying installation-monitoring system
US7319633B2 (en) * 2003-12-19 2008-01-15 Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd. Semiconductor device
KR100532589B1 (en) * 2003-12-26 2005-12-01 한국전자통신연구원 Apparatus and method determining the position by integrating rfid, gps, and ins
JP2005196235A (en) 2003-12-26 2005-07-21 Japan Tobacco Inc Real estate management system
US7180422B2 (en) 2003-12-29 2007-02-20 Intel Corporation Asset management methods and apparatus
JP2007516914A (en) * 2003-12-29 2007-06-28 ユナイテッド ステイツ ポスタル サービス System for tracking items
US20050149414A1 (en) 2003-12-30 2005-07-07 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. RFID system and method for managing out-of-stock items
US7394372B2 (en) 2003-12-30 2008-07-01 G2 Microsystems Pty. Ltd. Method and apparatus for aggregating and communicating tracking information
US20050177466A1 (en) * 2003-12-31 2005-08-11 Willins Bruce A. Method and apparatus for aggregation reconciliation through hierarchical tag checksums
US7239858B2 (en) 2003-12-31 2007-07-03 Wj Communications, Inc. Integrated switching device for routing radio frequency signals
US7197279B2 (en) * 2003-12-31 2007-03-27 Wj Communications, Inc. Multiprotocol RFID reader
US20060055564A1 (en) 2004-01-09 2006-03-16 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. System, method, and apparatus for capturing telematics data with an active RFID tag
EP1733337A4 (en) * 2004-01-12 2008-06-25 Symbol Technologies Inc Radio frequency identification tag inlay sortation and assembly
US20050154572A1 (en) * 2004-01-14 2005-07-14 Sweeney Patrick J.Ii Radio frequency identification simulator and tester
JP3824000B2 (en) * 2004-01-20 2006-09-20 オムロン株式会社 Read / write processing device for RFID tag
US7109866B2 (en) 2004-01-23 2006-09-19 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation Electronic article surveillance marker deactivator using an expanded detection zone
JP3874007B2 (en) * 2004-01-27 2007-01-31 オムロン株式会社 Read / write processing apparatus and read / write processing method for RFID tag
JP4133850B2 (en) 2004-01-27 2008-08-13 Necインフロンティア株式会社 Maintenance information acquisition system using RF tags
US7475813B2 (en) 2004-02-06 2009-01-13 Capital One Financial Corporation System and method of using RFID devices to analyze customer traffic patterns in order to improve a merchant's layout
US7038985B2 (en) 2004-02-17 2006-05-02 Sony Corporation System using radio frequency identification (RFID) for copy management of digital media
US20050188095A1 (en) * 2004-02-19 2005-08-25 Jeffrey Gardiner System for managing server user operation sessions
US20060071774A1 (en) * 2004-02-26 2006-04-06 Brown Katherine A Item monitoring system and methods using an item monitoring system
US7119738B2 (en) * 2004-03-01 2006-10-10 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Object location system and method using RFID
US6967579B1 (en) 2004-03-05 2005-11-22 Single Chip Systems Corporation Radio frequency identification for advanced security screening and sortation of baggage
WO2005091889A2 (en) 2004-03-05 2005-10-06 Seknion, Inc. Method and apparatus for improving the efficiency and accuracy of rfid systems
US7165722B2 (en) * 2004-03-10 2007-01-23 Microsoft Corporation Method and system for communicating with identification tags
US20050200457A1 (en) * 2004-03-11 2005-09-15 Raj Bridgelall Inventory transport device with integrated RFID reader
US7030761B2 (en) * 2004-03-16 2006-04-18 Symbol Technologies Multi-resolution object location system and method
DE102004013156B4 (en) 2004-03-17 2009-07-23 Atmel Germany Gmbh Method for data transmission in RFID or remote sensor systems
US7199719B2 (en) 2004-03-24 2007-04-03 Dan Alan Steinberg RFID tag reader with tag location indicated by visible light beam
US7088248B2 (en) 2004-03-24 2006-08-08 Avery Dennison Corporation System and method for selectively reading RFID devices
US7520429B2 (en) 2004-03-31 2009-04-21 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Systems and methods for an electronic programmable merchandise tag
US20050228528A1 (en) 2004-04-01 2005-10-13 Farchmin David W Location based material handling and processing
US7973643B2 (en) 2004-04-13 2011-07-05 Impinj, Inc. RFID readers transmitting preambles denoting data rate and methods
US7114655B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2006-10-03 Printronix EPC data manager
EP1749246A4 (en) * 2004-04-24 2011-11-02 Inrange Systems Inc Integrated, non-sequential, remote medication management and compliance system
WO2005104739A2 (en) 2004-04-28 2005-11-10 Precision Dynamics Corporation Rfid reader/writer device
US7789308B2 (en) 2004-05-13 2010-09-07 Cisco Technology, Inc. Locating and provisioning devices in a network
US7325734B2 (en) 2004-05-13 2008-02-05 Cisco Technology, Inc. Methods and devices for assigning RFID device personality
US7245220B2 (en) * 2004-05-27 2007-07-17 Sap Aktiengesellschaft Radio frequency identification (RFID) controller
US7198227B2 (en) 2004-06-10 2007-04-03 Goodrich Corporation Aircraft cargo locating system
US7057509B2 (en) 2004-06-29 2006-06-06 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Monitoring an object with identification data and tracking data
US7273179B2 (en) * 2004-07-09 2007-09-25 Datalogic Scanning, Inc. Portable data reading device with integrated web server for configuration and data extraction
WO2006015265A2 (en) * 2004-07-30 2006-02-09 G2 Microsystems Pty Ltd. Method and system for asset tracking devices
WO2006015349A2 (en) 2004-07-30 2006-02-09 Reva Systems Corporation Rfid tag data acquisition system
US7374103B2 (en) 2004-08-03 2008-05-20 Siemens Corporate Research, Inc. Object localization
US7342497B2 (en) 2004-08-26 2008-03-11 Avante International Technology, Inc Object monitoring, locating, and tracking system employing RFID devices
US7701341B2 (en) * 2004-09-01 2010-04-20 Microsoft Corporation Device service provider interface
US7382260B2 (en) * 2004-09-01 2008-06-03 Microsoft Corporation Hot swap and plug-and-play for RFID devices
US7161489B2 (en) 2004-09-09 2007-01-09 The Gillette Company RFID system performance monitoring
AU2004323369A1 (en) 2004-09-17 2006-03-23 Siang Beng Chng System and method for batch conversion of RFID tag to RFID label
US7195159B2 (en) 2004-10-22 2007-03-27 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Radio frequency identification (RFID) material tracking and apparatus
US7292963B2 (en) 2004-10-29 2007-11-06 Sap Aktiengesellschaft Aggregating sensor data
ATE435156T1 (en) * 2004-11-02 2009-07-15 Sensormatic Electronics Corp PACKAGING SYSTEM FOR RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATIONS
US7339476B2 (en) * 2004-11-10 2008-03-04 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Systems and methods that integrate radio frequency identification (RFID) technology with industrial controllers
US7551081B2 (en) * 2004-11-10 2009-06-23 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Systems and methods that integrate radio frequency identification (RFID) technology with agent-based control systems
US7323988B2 (en) 2004-12-17 2008-01-29 Alcatel Lucent Personal item reminder
US7317394B2 (en) * 2005-01-04 2008-01-08 Rfcyber Corp. System for developing and deploying radio frequency identification enabled software applications
US7336167B2 (en) 2005-02-09 2008-02-26 United Parcel Service Of America Interrogating RFID transponders during rotation of palletized items, systems and methods
US7389921B2 (en) 2005-02-28 2008-06-24 Sap Aktiengesellschaft Dynamic component management
US20060200256A1 (en) 2005-03-04 2006-09-07 Mason Robert C Programming of industrial automation equipment using RFID technology
US7583178B2 (en) 2005-03-16 2009-09-01 Datalogic Mobile, Inc. System and method for RFID reader operation
US7720438B2 (en) * 2005-03-30 2010-05-18 Nokia Corporation Reducing power consumption of a short-range wireless communication reader associated with a mobile terminal
DE602006016956D1 (en) * 2005-04-06 2010-10-28 Mallinckrodt Inc Systems and methods for managing information regarding medical fluids and containers therefor
US7443282B2 (en) 2005-05-05 2008-10-28 Industrial Technology Research Institute System and a method, including software and hardware, for providing real-time and synchronization views of supply chain information
US7336153B2 (en) 2005-06-30 2008-02-26 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Wireless temperature monitoring for an electronics system
US7733216B2 (en) 2005-07-12 2010-06-08 Intel Corporation Radio frequency identification tags capable of embedding receiver signal strength indications
US7616117B2 (en) 2005-07-19 2009-11-10 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Reconciliation mechanism using RFID and sensors
US7388491B2 (en) 2005-07-20 2008-06-17 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Mobile RFID reader with integrated location awareness for material tracking and management
US7764191B2 (en) 2005-07-26 2010-07-27 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. RFID tag data affecting automation controller with internal database
US7295118B2 (en) 2005-08-19 2007-11-13 Ensyc Technologies Low cost RFID system
US8260948B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2012-09-04 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Enhanced controller utilizing RFID technology
US7510110B2 (en) 2005-09-08 2009-03-31 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment
US7931197B2 (en) * 2005-09-20 2011-04-26 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. RFID-based product manufacturing and lifecycle management
US8025227B2 (en) 2005-09-30 2011-09-27 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Access to distributed databases via pointer stored in RFID tag
US20070075832A1 (en) 2005-09-30 2007-04-05 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. RFID reader with programmable I/O control
US20070159331A1 (en) 2006-01-03 2007-07-12 Symbol Technologies, Inc. System and method for saving battery power prior to deploying an asset tag
US20070159311A1 (en) 2006-01-06 2007-07-12 Scott Schober Vehicle separation warning device
US7616095B2 (en) 2006-02-23 2009-11-10 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Electronic token to provide sequential event control and monitoring
US7932809B2 (en) 2006-02-23 2011-04-26 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. RFID/biometric area protection
WO2008063553A2 (en) 2006-11-16 2008-05-29 Vitality Food Service Inc. Metering pump for dispensing liquid
US7845553B2 (en) * 2006-11-17 2010-12-07 Ncr Corporation Data management
US7494062B2 (en) * 2006-11-17 2009-02-24 Ncr Corporation Secure reader for use in data management

Patent Citations (102)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3858212A (en) 1972-08-29 1974-12-31 L Tompkins Multi-purpose information gathering and distribution system
US4949299A (en) 1987-12-04 1990-08-14 Allen-Bradley Company, Inc. Industrial control communication network and method
US6293467B1 (en) 1991-11-04 2001-09-25 Psc Scanning, Inc. Multiple-interface selection system for computer peripherals
US5703347A (en) 1991-11-04 1997-12-30 Spectra-Physics Scanning Systems, Inc. Multiple-interface selection system for computer peripherals
US6612495B2 (en) 1991-11-04 2003-09-02 Psc Scanning, Inc. Multiple-interface selection system for computer peripherals
US5905249A (en) 1991-11-04 1999-05-18 Spectra-Physics Scanning Systems, Inc. Multiple-interface selection system for computer peripherals
US5613228A (en) 1992-07-06 1997-03-18 Micron Technology, Inc. Gain adjustment method in two-way communication systems
US5701127A (en) 1993-02-23 1997-12-23 Texas Instruments Incorporated Automatic vehicle identification system capable of vehicle lane discrimination
US5629981A (en) 1994-07-29 1997-05-13 Texas Instruments Incorporated Information management and security system
US5910776A (en) 1994-10-24 1999-06-08 Id Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for identifying locating or monitoring equipment or other objects
US5621199A (en) 1995-04-03 1997-04-15 Datalogic, Inc. RFID reader
US5785181A (en) 1995-11-02 1998-07-28 Clothestrak, Inc. Permanent RFID garment tracking system
US5874896A (en) 1996-08-26 1999-02-23 Palomar Technologies Corporation Electronic anti-shoplifting system employing an RFID tag
US6272321B1 (en) 1996-09-13 2001-08-07 Temic Semiconductor Gmbh Method for tuning an oscillating receiver circuit of a transponder built into a RFID system
US5874724A (en) 1997-01-10 1999-02-23 International Business Machines Corporation Light selectable radio frequency identification tag and method therefor
US6445969B1 (en) 1997-01-27 2002-09-03 Circuit Image Systems Statistical process control integration systems and methods for monitoring manufacturing processes
US6049745A (en) 1997-02-10 2000-04-11 Fmc Corporation Navigation system for automatic guided vehicle
US6144301A (en) 1997-02-10 2000-11-07 Safetrac Control Systems, Inc. Electronic tracking tag
US5822714A (en) 1997-03-05 1998-10-13 International Business Machines Corporation Data processing system and method for accessing a plurality of radio frequency identification tags
US6172609B1 (en) 1997-05-14 2001-01-09 Avid Identification Systems, Inc. Reader for RFID system
US5963134A (en) 1997-07-24 1999-10-05 Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Inventory system using articles with RFID tags
US6693539B2 (en) 1997-07-24 2004-02-17 Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Inventory system using articles with RFID tags
US5971587A (en) 1997-08-01 1999-10-26 Kato; Kiroku Package and mail delivery system
US5973600A (en) 1997-09-11 1999-10-26 Precision Dynamics Corporation Laminated radio frequency identification device
US6205362B1 (en) 1997-11-24 2001-03-20 Agilent Technologies, Inc. Constructing applications in distributed control systems using components having built-in behaviors
US6342839B1 (en) 1998-03-09 2002-01-29 Aginfolink Holdings Inc. Method and apparatus for a livestock data collection and management system
US6664897B2 (en) 1998-03-09 2003-12-16 William R. Pape Method and system for livestock data collection and management
US6211789B1 (en) 1998-03-09 2001-04-03 Courtney A. Oldham Method and system for manual entry of data into integrated electronic database for livestock data collection
US6607123B1 (en) 1998-03-19 2003-08-19 S World Golf Systems Ltd. Identifying golf balls
US6476708B1 (en) 1998-03-20 2002-11-05 Hid Corporation Detection of an RFID device by an RF reader unit operating in a reduced power state
US5949335A (en) 1998-04-14 1999-09-07 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation RFID tagging system for network assets
US6362738B1 (en) 1998-04-16 2002-03-26 Motorola, Inc. Reader for use in a radio frequency identification system and method thereof
US6275681B1 (en) 1998-04-16 2001-08-14 Motorola, Inc. Wireless electrostatic charging and communicating system
US6282407B1 (en) 1998-04-16 2001-08-28 Motorola, Inc. Active electrostatic transceiver and communicating system
US6121878A (en) 1998-05-01 2000-09-19 Intermec Ip Corp. System for controlling assets
US5964656A (en) 1998-05-19 1999-10-12 Meat Processing Service Corp. Inc. Radio frequency identification device and method of use
US6608561B2 (en) 1998-05-19 2003-08-19 Meat Processing Service Corp., Inc. Method for making a radio frequency identification device
US6154790A (en) 1998-07-10 2000-11-28 International Business Machines Monitoring and reporting hard disk drives identification using radio frequency
US6170059B1 (en) 1998-07-10 2001-01-02 International Business Machines Corporation Tracking memory modules within a computer system
US6263440B1 (en) 1998-07-10 2001-07-17 International Business Machines Corporation Tracking and protection of display monitors by reporting their identity
US6116505A (en) 1998-07-21 2000-09-12 Gilbarco Inc. Fuel transaction system for enabling the purchase of fuel and non-fuel items on a single authorization
US6486780B1 (en) 1998-08-14 2002-11-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Applications for radio frequency identification systems
US6448886B2 (en) 1998-08-14 2002-09-10 3M Innovative Properties Company Application for radio frequency identification systems
US6305548B1 (en) 1998-09-18 2001-10-23 Hitachi, Ltd. Method and system for recycling discarded industrial products
US6091998A (en) 1998-09-30 2000-07-18 Rockwell Technologies, Llc Self organizing industrial control system using bidding process
US6285295B1 (en) 1998-12-14 2001-09-04 Martin S. Casden Passive remote programmer for induction type RFID readers
US6317027B1 (en) 1999-01-12 2001-11-13 Randy Watkins Auto-tunning scanning proximity reader
US6712276B1 (en) 1999-01-29 2004-03-30 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for automated measurement of properties of perishable consumer products
US6622567B1 (en) 1999-03-01 2003-09-23 Microstrain, Inc. Micropower peak strain detection system for remote interrogation
US6400272B1 (en) 1999-04-01 2002-06-04 Presto Technologies, Inc. Wireless transceiver for communicating with tags
US6150948A (en) 1999-04-24 2000-11-21 Soundcraft, Inc. Low-power radio frequency identification reader
US6484886B1 (en) 1999-04-30 2002-11-26 Siemens Dematic Postal Automation, L.P. Feeder reader subsystem
US6401936B1 (en) 1999-04-30 2002-06-11 Siemens Electrocom, L.P. Divert apparatus for conveyor system
US6415978B1 (en) 1999-05-03 2002-07-09 Psc Scanning, Inc. Multiple technology data reader for bar code labels and RFID tags
US6517000B1 (en) 1999-05-03 2003-02-11 Psc Scanning, Inc. Dual ended cable for connecting electronic article surveillance antenna with RFID equipment
US6169483B1 (en) 1999-05-04 2001-01-02 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation Self-checkout/self-check-in RFID and electronics article surveillance system
US6366206B1 (en) 1999-06-02 2002-04-02 Ball Semiconductor, Inc. Method and apparatus for attaching tags to medical and non-medical devices
US6585165B1 (en) 1999-06-29 2003-07-01 Sony Chemicals Corp. IC card having a mica capacitor
US6714121B1 (en) 1999-08-09 2004-03-30 Micron Technology, Inc. RFID material tracking method and apparatus
US6641042B1 (en) 1999-08-25 2003-11-04 Sick Ag Method and an apparatus for the identification and localization of objects
US6608551B1 (en) 1999-09-13 2003-08-19 Intermec Ip Corp Low-cost radio replacement utilizing RFID technology
US6286762B1 (en) 1999-09-21 2001-09-11 Intermec Ip Corp. Method and apparatus to perform a predefined search on data carriers, such as RFID tags
US6286763B1 (en) 1999-09-21 2001-09-11 Intermac Ip Corp. Method and apparatus to automatically search data carriers, such as RFID tags and machine-readable symbols
US6318636B1 (en) 1999-09-21 2001-11-20 Intermec Ip Corp. Method and apparatus to read different types of data carriers, such RFID tags and machine-readable symbols, and a user interface for the same
US6677852B1 (en) 1999-09-22 2004-01-13 Intermec Ip Corp. System and method for automatically controlling or configuring a device, such as an RFID reader
US6529880B1 (en) 1999-12-01 2003-03-04 Intermec Ip Corp. Automatic payment system for a plurality of remote merchants
US6566997B1 (en) 1999-12-03 2003-05-20 Hid Corporation Interference control method for RFID systems
US6650227B1 (en) 1999-12-08 2003-11-18 Hid Corporation Reader for a radio frequency identification system having automatic tuning capability
US6354493B1 (en) 1999-12-23 2002-03-12 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation System and method for finding a specific RFID tagged article located in a plurality of RFID tagged articles
US6672512B2 (en) 1999-12-27 2004-01-06 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Combined biometric reader/RFID circuit
US6264106B1 (en) 1999-12-27 2001-07-24 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Combination bar code scanner/RFID circuit
US6617962B1 (en) 2000-01-06 2003-09-09 Samsys Technologies Inc. System for multi-standard RFID tags
US6377203B1 (en) 2000-02-01 2002-04-23 3M Innovative Properties Company Collision arbitration method and apparatus for reading multiple radio frequency identification tags
US6451154B1 (en) 2000-02-18 2002-09-17 Moore North America, Inc. RFID manufacturing concepts
US6593853B1 (en) 2000-02-18 2003-07-15 Brady Worldwide, Inc. RFID label printing system
US6523752B2 (en) 2000-02-23 2003-02-25 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. RFID reader and communications apparatus, and delivery article sorting method and system using RFID reader and communications apparatus
US20020067265A1 (en) * 2000-03-15 2002-06-06 Rudolph Richard F. Intelligent Package For Controlled Product Distribution
US6409401B1 (en) 2000-03-30 2002-06-25 Zih Corp. Portable printer with RFID encoder
US6745008B1 (en) 2000-06-06 2004-06-01 Battelle Memorial Institute K1-53 Multi-frequency communication system and method
US6307517B1 (en) 2000-06-13 2001-10-23 Applied Wireless Identifications Group, Inc. Metal compensated radio frequency identification reader
US6377176B1 (en) 2000-06-13 2002-04-23 Applied Wireless Identifications Group, Inc. Metal compensated radio frequency identification reader
US6687293B1 (en) 2000-06-23 2004-02-03 Microchip Technology Incorporated Method, system and apparatus for calibrating a pulse position modulation (PPM) decoder to a PPM signal
US6265976B1 (en) 2000-06-23 2001-07-24 Single Chip Systems Corporation Method and apparatus for providing receiver dual channel coupling in a reader for RFID tags
US6700931B1 (en) 2000-07-06 2004-03-02 Microchip Technology Incorporated Method, system and apparatus for initiating and maintaining synchronization of a pulse position modulation (PPM) decoder with a received PPM signal
US6724308B2 (en) 2000-08-11 2004-04-20 Escort Memory Systems RFID tracking method and system
US6563425B2 (en) 2000-08-11 2003-05-13 Escort Memory Systems RFID passive repeater system and apparatus
US6392544B1 (en) 2000-09-25 2002-05-21 Motorola, Inc. Method and apparatus for selectively activating radio frequency identification tags that are in close proximity
US6445297B1 (en) 2000-10-10 2002-09-03 Escort Memory Systems Modular RFID antenna system
US6600418B2 (en) 2000-12-12 2003-07-29 3M Innovative Properties Company Object tracking and management system and method using radio-frequency identification tags
US6429776B1 (en) 2001-02-07 2002-08-06 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation RFID reader with integrated display for use in a product tag system
US6549064B2 (en) 2001-02-12 2003-04-15 Matrics, Inc. Efficient charge pump apparatus
US6480100B1 (en) 2001-03-09 2002-11-12 Sat Corporation Radio frequency identification tag formatting method
US6554187B2 (en) 2001-03-23 2003-04-29 Ncr Corporation Method of detecting and managing RFID labels on items brought into a store by a customer
US6547040B2 (en) 2001-04-02 2003-04-15 Ncr Corporation Self-service checkout system with RFID capability
US6501382B1 (en) 2001-06-11 2002-12-31 Timken Company Bearing with data storage device
US6621417B2 (en) 2001-08-09 2003-09-16 Edgar Alan Duncan Passive RFID transponder/reader system and method for hidden obstacle detection and avoidance
US6669089B2 (en) 2001-11-12 2003-12-30 3M Innovative Properties Co Radio frequency identification systems for asset tracking
US6505780B1 (en) 2001-12-05 2003-01-14 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Personalize vehicle settings using RF tags
US6707376B1 (en) 2002-08-09 2004-03-16 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation Pulsed power method for increased read range for a radio frequency identification reader
US6726099B2 (en) 2002-09-05 2004-04-27 Honeywell International Inc. RFID tag having multiple transceivers
US20040095910A1 (en) * 2002-11-18 2004-05-20 Bryan Metts PLC based wireless communications
US20060279412A1 (en) * 2005-06-13 2006-12-14 Holland Joshua H System for using RFID tags as data storage devices

Non-Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
European Search Report dated Feb. 14, 2006 mailed Feb. 20, 2006 for European Patent Application Serial No. 10/985,621, 3 Pages.
European Search Report dated Feb. 6, 2006 mailed Feb. 20, 2006 for European Patent Application Serial No. 10/985,173, 3 Pages.
International Search Report dated May 17, 2006 for International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/EP2005/007878, 8 pages.
International Search Report for PCT Application No. PCT/US06/34290, mailed Feb. 5, 2008, 2 pages.
International Search Report for PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US06/34290, mailed Feb. 5, 2008, 2 pages.
M. Karkkainen, et al.: "The product centric approach: a solution to supply network information management problems?" Computers in Industry, Elsevier Science Publishers. Amsterdam, NL, vol. 52, No. 2, Oct. 2003.
OA Dated Apr. 28, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 11/220,130, 29 pages.
OA Dated Apr. 30, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 11/185,114, 80 pages.
OA Dated Aug. 28, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 11/129,199, 28 pages.
OA Dated Aug. 8, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 11/241,421, 49 pages.
Partial International Search Report dated Mar. 30, 2006, for PCT Application Serial No. PCT/EP2005/007878, 3 pages.

Cited By (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7997475B2 (en) 2004-11-10 2011-08-16 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Systems and methods that integrate radio frequency identification (RFID) technology with industrial controllers
US20090243808A1 (en) * 2004-11-10 2009-10-01 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Systems and methods that integrate radio frequency identification (rfid) technology with agent-based control systems
US20090254199A1 (en) * 2004-11-10 2009-10-08 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Systems and methods that integrate radio frequency identification (rfid) technology with agent-based control systems
US8384544B2 (en) 2004-11-10 2013-02-26 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Systems and methods that integrate radio frequency identification (RFID) technology with agent-based control systems
US7994919B2 (en) 2004-11-10 2011-08-09 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Systems and methods that integrate radio frequency identification (RFID) technology with agent-based control systems
US7932827B2 (en) 2005-07-20 2011-04-26 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Mobile RFID reader with integrated location awareness for material tracking and management
US7764191B2 (en) 2005-07-26 2010-07-27 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. RFID tag data affecting automation controller with internal database
US8260948B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2012-09-04 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Enhanced controller utilizing RFID technology
US20090206154A1 (en) * 2005-09-08 2009-08-20 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Rfid architecture in an industrial controller environment
US8152053B2 (en) * 2005-09-08 2012-04-10 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment
US7931197B2 (en) 2005-09-20 2011-04-26 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. RFID-based product manufacturing and lifecycle management
US7772978B1 (en) 2005-09-26 2010-08-10 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Intelligent RFID tag for magnetic field mapping
US8025227B2 (en) 2005-09-30 2011-09-27 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Access to distributed databases via pointer stored in RFID tag
US7944338B2 (en) * 2005-10-19 2011-05-17 Hitachi, Ltd. RFID tag, RFID reader/writer, RFID system, and processing method of RFID system
US20070176772A1 (en) * 2005-10-19 2007-08-02 Ryo Nemoto RFID tag, RFID reader/writer, RFID system, and processing method of RFID system
US8238874B2 (en) * 2006-02-06 2012-08-07 Swisscom Ag Method and system for location-dependent billing for services
US9544443B2 (en) 2006-02-06 2017-01-10 Swisscom Ag Method and system for location-dependent billing for services
US8498613B2 (en) 2006-02-06 2013-07-30 Swisscom Ag Method and system for location-dependent billing for services
US20110281553A1 (en) * 2006-02-06 2011-11-17 Swisscom Ag Method and system for location-dependent billing for services
US11102356B2 (en) 2006-02-06 2021-08-24 Swisscom Ag Method and system for location-dependent billing for services
US8983430B2 (en) 2006-02-06 2015-03-17 Swisscom Ag Method and system for location-dependent billing for services
US10244124B2 (en) 2006-02-06 2019-03-26 Swisscom Ag Method and system for location-dependent billing for services
US20090303013A1 (en) * 2008-06-05 2009-12-10 The University Of Akron Systems and methods for wireless control of equipment
US20220203259A1 (en) * 2008-08-15 2022-06-30 Deka Products Limited Partnership Water vending apparatus
US8672222B2 (en) * 2010-05-03 2014-03-18 Avery Dennison Corporation Infrastructure-mounted RFID tags
US9613333B2 (en) 2010-05-03 2017-04-04 Avery Dennison Retail Information Services, Llc Infrastructure-mounted RFID tags
US20110266342A1 (en) * 2010-05-03 2011-11-03 Avery Dennison Corporation Infrastructure-Mounted RFID Tags
US8976030B2 (en) 2012-04-24 2015-03-10 Metrologic Instruments, Inc. Point of sale (POS) based checkout system supporting a customer-transparent two-factor authentication process during product checkout operations
US9367062B2 (en) 2012-12-31 2016-06-14 Robert Bosch Gmbh System and method for operational data retrieval from a power tool
US9612819B2 (en) 2014-09-26 2017-04-04 Airbus Operations (S.A.S.) System and method for automatic reloading of software into embarked equipment
US11213773B2 (en) 2017-03-06 2022-01-04 Cummins Filtration Ip, Inc. Genuine filter recognition with filter monitoring system
US10460224B1 (en) * 2018-06-19 2019-10-29 Zebra Technologies Corporation Systems and methods for enabling RFID sessions based on imager based object detection

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20070055470A1 (en) 2007-03-08
EP1958169A4 (en) 2009-12-23
EP1958169A2 (en) 2008-08-20
CN101300609B (en) 2011-09-07
WO2007030544A3 (en) 2007-06-28
US8152053B2 (en) 2012-04-10
US20090206154A1 (en) 2009-08-20
WO2007030544A2 (en) 2007-03-15
CN101300609A (en) 2008-11-05
EP1958169B1 (en) 2015-11-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7510110B2 (en) RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment
KR101183334B1 (en) Device service provider interface
EP1657609B1 (en) Agent-based control systems employing RFID technology and methods therefor
US10198709B2 (en) Managing assets using at least one policy and asset locations
US7589624B2 (en) Component unit monitoring system and component unit monitoring method
CN206209389U (en) For the device of the multi-mode RFST communications in Process Control System
JP2009505229A (en) Improved controller using RFID technology
EP2372603B1 (en) Appliance including a radio frequency identification (RFID) device and method for two-way communication of dynamic data by the appliance via the RFID device
EP3007386B1 (en) Apparatus and method for analyzing a control network
KR100963323B1 (en) Rfid system and rfid tag
US7636044B1 (en) RFID tag programming, printing application, and supply chain/global registration architecture
US9170579B1 (en) System, method and computer program product for monitoring and controlling industrial energy equipment
US20150365781A1 (en) Server systems
EP3513287A1 (en) On-process migration of non-redundant input/output (i/o) firmware
CN102215376A (en) Monitoring system and data transmission device and method
Floerkemeier et al. RFID applications: interfacing with readers
CN101449221B (en) System and method to allow non-deterministic execution in a process control system
US20210011828A1 (en) Systems and methods for dynamically simulating load to an application under test
US11218360B2 (en) Automation system with edge computing
US20210157305A1 (en) Methods, systems and computer program products for plant resource management
Oh et al. Light-weight RFID device interface for controlling RFID tag memory access
CN111641948B (en) Registration method for edge computing access and edge computing node device
US20230135737A1 (en) Model adjustment method, model adjustment system and non- transitory computer readable medium
Lastra et al. IMPLEMENTATION OF A MIDDLEWARE FOR RFID IDENTIFICATION AND DATA ACQUISITION AND INTEGRATION WITH LEGACY INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT
Husár et al. The concept of implementation of multifrequency RFID system industrial involvement in laboratory conditions

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC., OHIO

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:PIETRZYK, ARTHUR P.;BAPAT, VIVEK R.;CHAND, SUJEET;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:016968/0371;SIGNING DATES FROM 20050824 TO 20050907

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1553); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 12